The Harrogate District Community Safety Partnership recognises the need to provide information to the public about crime prevention and other community safety messages.
Getting that message across means trying different approaches and with the support of Harrogate Borough Council’s Parking Service Manager, Susan McGarry, the Partnership has been able to install a display in a prominent location in Harrogate’s Victoria car park.
Based on Level 10, the display will attract attention due to its prime location outside the car parking office and right next to the walk way to the town centre.
Councillor Margaret Atkinson Chair of the Harrogate District Community Safety Partnership said:
Shoppers and visitors to the town centre will be able to obtain crime prevention and other community safety advice from this easy to access location. The Harrogate district is a safe place but there are always simple and effective crime prevention measures that we can all take to keep our valuables and property safe.
The display currently has burglary reduction information with Billy the Burglar providing crime prevention advice.
Historically, opportunities for burglary increase during the winter months for a host of reasons.
A survey of convicted burglars found that a burglar would target certain types of properties and they were creatures of habit.
They preferred semi-detached houses rather than large detached ones, they often targeted houses that were the same design, this meant that it was easier to find their way around, the rooms were in the same place and it also meant that the TV and DVD were more than likely to be in the same place, ideal for a quick getaway.
Burglars prefer an empty property so that they have free run of the rooms without the threat of coming in contact with anyone.
Julia Stack, Community Safety & CCTV Manager, whose team has been responsible for pulling the campaign, together emphasised the need for residents to be vigilant and take some simple steps to reduce the risk of being the victim of burglary.
Julia Stack, Community Safety & CCTV Manager said:
We are using the title Billy the Burglar’ for our campaign which encourages people to think like a burglar, what would a burglar like and what would they dislike.
By understanding what burglars look for in their target you will be able to identify any weak spots in your home’s security.
