PCSOs give free security advice in Dorset villages

A door-to-door high-visibility campaign to help reduce burglary in the Ferndown villages of West Moors, St Leonards, St Ives and Ashley Heath was launched today, Monday 11 January 2010 by Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Special Constables and Home Watch.

Homes in 40 roads will be visited by officers including Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Special Constables (SCs) over the next two weeks.

They will be knocking on every door on every street in the area offering advice on improving home security and giving out Home Office security information packs and UV property making pens.

In addition to the door-to-door visits, extra officers will be patrolling the area on foot in order to detain or detect any offenders.

West Moors, St Leonards and St Ives Safer Neighbourhood Officer, PCSO Ben King, said: “East Dorset remains one of the safest places to live in the country, however, following a spate of offences; we are carrying out door-to-door visits to raise awareness of home security and increasing foot patrols in the affected areas.”

He continued: “The most effective and affordable way for residents to protect their homes from burglars is by fitting and using appropriate window locks.

“By adding a few extra precautions, it makes it much more difficult for burglars to enter or steal from your property.

“Ultimately we want to reduce the number of burglaries occurring in the area.”

For further advice or information about improving home security, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on (01202) 222 222 or visit www.dorset.police.uk