News : Roundswell & Sticklepath

My name is Donna Hawkins, I am the Police Crime Prevention Officer for Northern Devon.

I would like to remind local residents about the importance of home security during the summer months. Beware of the opportunist burglar! Not only should we take security measures for when we plan to go on our summer holidays but also when we are spending time at home or in the garden.

The majority of the burglaries that take place in North Devon are down to the fact that front doors, back doors and windows have been left open. People tend to do this more often now that the warmer weather is approaching. If you are just going to the corner shop or even to the bottom of the garden, be sure that your home is secure. It only takes a matter of seconds to open your door and grab cash, a purse, handbag, mobile phone or the keys to your car!

If you are going away on holiday make sure that you leave no indications that the house is empty. Don’t forget to cancel milk and papers. The use of timers to turn lights and radios on and off are very good at giving the impression that there is someone there.

The best way to protect you and your property from becoming a victim of burglary is to have a burglar alarm installed by a company recognised by NACOSS, SSAIB or NSI. It is proven that a professionally installed system drastically reduces your chances of being burgled.

Please remember to protect your home whilst still enjoying the summer weather. Crime throughout Northern Devon and Torridge remains very low, we must remember that we live in one of the safest parts of the country.
For further more detailed advice on home security check our web site www.devon-cornwall.police.uk.

Donna Hawkins
Northern Devon Police
Crime Prevention Officer

We also have a resident’s thank you for PCSO Cornish. The resident’s of Roundswell have recently been having some problems with youths throwing dog waste into gardens and on roofs of houses. Thanks to the local Dog Warden and PCSO Cornish there has been a successful outcome. Neighbours had taken photographs which greatly helped the matter and thankfully this has now stopped happening. Several thief proof dog waste bins have also now been provided in place of the old type across the estate.