Pc Gail Kevern carrying out a crime survey as part of the Beat the Burglar campaign. Photo: Bill Smith

There is a saying that an Englishman’s home is his castle, but it should not need turrets or security like Fort Knox to make it difficult for burglars to break in.

That is the message from PC Gail Kevern, force crime prevention co-ordinator and architectural liaison officer at Norfolk Constabulary, who said it was the simple security measures which mattered most.

She said: “People don’t need to feel they’re locked behind their front door. It’s not what it’s about, it’s about using security measures that are appropriate to the risk.

“If security is a chore then people won’t do it: it’s about taking security measures that you will use.”

There are a range of security systems available to homeowners, many of them quite expensive, but PC Kevern said being secure in your home need not cost the earth.

She said: “Any measures that you take have to be cost-effective. At the end of the day you use what you’ve got.

“The majority of burglaries involve insecure premises. If you just use the locks that you have on the windows and doors that would reduce your chances of being a victim.

“Don’t make it easy for them – the majority are opportunists.

“They find a door open and that makes it easy for them, but if they have to walk along to the next house because your door is locked you’ve prevented yourself from being a victim.”

You can report any information about burglaries or suspicious activity, people or vehicles to police via 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you think a crime is in progress always call 999.

If you would like to speak to an officer regarding crime prevention advice you can contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team by calling 101 or by visiting www.norfolk.police.uk

For full story see today’s paper.