With the arrival of British Summer Time, Durham Constabulary and the local Crime Prevention Teams are issuing seasonal guidelines on how to keep your home and property safe this summer. The longer days and lighter nights mean more opportunities for sneak-in thieves to strike, particularly as we tend to keep our doors and windows open in the warmer months.

Their advice includes:

• Being careful not to leave vehicle and house keys on benches/ key racks/ windowsills near to windows, doors, or letter boxes where they can be accessed from outside;
• Keeping bikes, toys, and gardening tools locked up overnight;
• If you have items that won't stow away such as bbqs, garden furniture, and ornaments make sure they are secure and indelibly marked both inside and out;
• Double check your doors, garage, windows, garden and vehicle before going to bed. 

For more information about policing in Esh village, including how to get involved with the local PACT (Police and Community Together) team, please click here.