This burglary campaign has been jointly launched in Lisburn by Safer Lisburn Community Safety Partnership and Lisburn PSNI to remind householders that securing doors and windows is a major deterrent to burglars.  The Close it, Lock it, Check it campaign is a joint initiative between the Crime Prevention Unit of the PSNI, the Community Safety Unit of the NIO and the NI Policing Board.

Welcoming the initiative Jacqueline Crockett Communications Manager Safer Lisburn Community Safety Partnership said, “All householders have a right to be safe in their own homes and they can play a key role in reducing the opportunities for domestic burglars.   Having your home broken in to can have a long term impact by increasing insecurity and the fear of crime.

Lisburn PSNI Crime Prevention Officer Const. Willie Johnston added, “The ‘Close it, Lock it, Check it’ campaign provides simple advice to all householders to help combat domestic burglary, the most important of which is to check that all doors and windows are secure.  We can all take small steps to reduce the risks to our property, which added together can make a real difference.”

Offering advice at the launch of this campaign, Safer Lisburn Community Safety Partnership Manager Laurence Kerr said:  “Domestic burglary is one of the key priorities in Lisburn.  We are committed to robustly tackling an issue, which strikes at the very heart of our community and is one of the crimes we know people fear the most.

“However, this campaign identifies some very simple steps householders can take which can help defeat a burglar.  Simply close your doors and windows lock your doors and windows and check your house security before leaving the house, or going to bed at night. By taking these steps, you have already created a huge deterrent to an opportunistic thief.  Together, we will make life difficult for burglars and create a safer Lisburn for everyone”.

To check how secure your home is click here…

During the launch of a new crime prevention character, the advice is ‘Don’t Let… Willie Nickit’.

Using a new concept in raising awareness, a new character has been created to act as a visible reminder to everyone to think about their home and personal safety.  The first campaign focuses on home security and by taking some simple steps, the message is clear, ‘Don’t Let… Willie Nickit’.

Constable Willie Johnston, Crime Prevention Officer, Lisburn Police advises, “The reality is that most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves rather than ‘professional’ criminals.  They are looking for the easiest way of getting into a house without being seen or disturbed.  By using Willie Nickit as a crime prevention tool, I hope that when people see him, they will be reminded to lock doors and windows and not give criminals the opportunity to steal from them”.

“Domestic burglary is a crime that can have a significant impact on peoples’ lives.  It can take a long time to come to terms with the loss of personal possessions as well as the loss of confidence that can result from a stranger being in your home.  We want people to think about the security of their home and we hope that ‘Willie Nickit’ will be a visible reminder to everyone to take the time to ensure they have taken the necessary steps to secure their home” notes Jacqueline Crockett, Safer Lisburn Communications Manager.

Further information and advice will be available during a series of information sessions across Lisburn in main shopping areas which will take place during October and November or you can contact your local Crime Prevention Officer at Lisburn Police Station.