Have lights become the most effective form of crime prevention?

Hampshire police has launched a campaign that could save homeowners from their worst nightmare.

Residents are being strongly advised to keep their lights on this winter to prevent burglaries, which become increasingly common as the nights draw in.

“Lights On” aims to educate residents on how best to secure their homes, especially when left unoccupied.

Absence is the biggest attraction for burglars and the campaign highlights the importance of keeping lights on, to prevent unwanted activity.

It suggests the use of timer switches, gadgets that fit into existing light fixtures, and energy saving bulbs.

All of which are accessible and relatively inexpensive.

The posters have been put up around Hampshire and the police urge residents to share it as widely as possible.

College of Policing also outline various interventions, that tackle neighbourhood crime:

“There is strong evidence to suggest that physical security measures reduce crime by making residential properties more difficult to break into.

“The most effective combination of two security devices are window locks with external lights or window locks with door locks.”

Hampshire neighbourhood watch has published a checklist too, with precautions that residents can take in order to ensure safety within their homes.