Amersham residents urged to use timer lights to deter burglars as the clocks go back

By BMeiring | Thursday, October 20, 2011, 21:58

In a response to the traditional rise in burglaries after the clocks go back, Amersham residents are being advised to use timer light switches to deter robbers.

Is your light timer switch set to come on before you get home when it gets dark? There is an expected rise in burglaries every year as the clocks go back. Secure your Amersham home and come visit Thames Valley Police at the upcoming awareness events at Amersham Tesco and Chalfont & Latimer station on the 11th and 15th November.

Chiltern Community Safety Partnership is working on this 'Bright ideas' initiative which targets residents who get home after dark in the winter months, such as commuters and late night shoppers.

Residents are being asked to consider using their timer light switch to leave a light on if they plan to return home after dark. Other advice is to regularly vary the times they set timer switches to turn on and off. Watch our video on YouTube about the importance of not leaving your house in the dark.

Burglary awareness events will take place from the end of October through to the beginning of January next year. Staff from Thames Valley Police and Chiltern District Council Community Safety Team will be at locations across the district, such as train stations and supermarkets, handing out timer light switches and providing information about how to secure homes effectively against burglaries. British Transport Police will also be helping out at some of the events.

Deterring burglars does not have to cost you a fortune as you can use your timer light switch with an energy saving light bulb. You can purchase timer light switches and energy saving light bulbs from most large supermarkets and DIY stores.

Our upcoming wintertime burglary awareness event for Amersham will take place at Tesco on London Road, Amersham from 3:30pm to 5:30pm on Friday 11th November and at Chalfont & Latimer station from 5pm-7pm on Tuesday the 15th November. Timer light switches will be available while stocks last.

More advice can be found on the Thames Valley Police website or please contact your local community safety officer at Chiltern District Council, Caroline Saunders, on 01494 732089.

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Comments

I agree, so simple but effective (we hope!). I like the fact that the police are taking the time to educate people and making the switches available too as I wouldn't know where to find them otherwise! ...anyone?

By Bridgy3 at 21:23 on 25/10/11
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I think it's a really good idea that the police are pushing this throughout the whole South Bucks area - or seem to be. Timer switches are such a cheap and simple way to help combat theft. I out off getting a couple for ages because I basically couldn't be bothered to buy some. So glad I have got round to it now. If we all get together to fight burglaries, we could see a big reduction in this type of crime (with any luck!)

By Magpi23 at 14:16 on 21/10/11
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