police in the Cotswolds and Stroud area, along with the district Safer and Stronger Community Partnership, are taking an early springtime opportunity to remind the public of the simple steps they should take to keep their stuff safe this summer and reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.

Criminals are quick to exploit any slackening of security, so police are calling on homeowners, businesses and vehicle owners to work with them to help reduce the opportunity for crime.

Crime Prevention Design Advisor PC Mark Godsland urged all residents to take a few simple precautions to prevent their homes, businesses and cars from being broken into as the weather starts to improve.

"Now it’s due to get a little warmer make sure you keep doors and windows closed and locked when you’re not in the room or building, it sounds obvious but it’s incredible how many people fail to follow this simple advice.” he said.

"Any valuable items, or items of great sentimental value, should be kept out of site from windows and property marked to make them easily identifiable in the event of them being stolen.”

PC Godsland said that simple crime prevention techniques applied equally to preventing thefts from garden sheds and vehicles.

"Sheds are a favourite target for criminals because many can be broken into relatively easily, and they often contain expensive items such as lawn mowers, power tools and bikes," he said.

"Shed owners should check the vulnerability of their shed and make it more secure by investing in metal grills for windows, reinforced hinges and strong locks and shed alarms.

"Car crime can also be a problem, and criminals are quick to exploit any opportunity they are presented with. With the onset of spring and motorists taking the opportunity to visit beauty spots make sure you keep your car and the things in it secure.”

"Firstly, we would advise drivers to lock their vehicles whenever they are left unattended. Again it seems obvious, but we have had numerous examples of people having had property stolen from their vehicle after leaving it unlocked.

"Secondly, we would urge drivers to leave nothing on display in their vehicle when they park up. Leaving high value, removable items on display are just asking for trouble. This applies as much to items such as CDs or sunglasses as it does to very valuable items like laptop computers, Sat Nav and removable stereos. By doing this motorists can significantly reduce their chances and opportunity of becoming a victim of car crime”

“Thirdly, owners of motorbikes and mopeds should take appropriate precautions when parking their machines, such as using the steering lock, setting the alarm and immobiliser (if fitted) using a disc lock or chaining their vehicle to a ground anchor or secure locking point if available.

“The majority of burglaries and thefts can be avoided by following these simple pieces of advice. We are also very happy to discuss crime prevention methods with home and business owners, so feel free to contact the crime reduction officer for your area by calling 0845 090 1234.”

More crime prevention tips and advice can be found on the crime reduction pages of the Gloucestershire Constabulary website.