A COUNCILLOR has called for residents to ensure their home security is up to scratch after recent break-ins.

Cllr Louis Stephen, who represents Battenhall of Worcester City Council, has called for more vigilance following burglaries on London Road and Norton Close in recent weeks.

Having suffered a break-in himself several years ago, in which his car keys were stolen from his family home, the Green Party councillor was keen to raise the issue with city residents.

“At this time of year, it goes dark from about 3.30pm and an unlit house is an advertisement that you are not at home,” he said.

“Since most thieves are opportunists, it really makes sense to invest in one or two low-cost plug-in timers to control the lights to come on at about dusk.”

Police are continuing to investigate a robbery at a man’s home on London Road on December 1, in which he was threatened with a screwdriver.

Officers investigating the incident have issued a renewed appeal for information, after five robbers raided the property at around 6.30pm.

The robbers, described as white males who were all wearing black, and gloves and balaclavas during the raid, searched the property after threatening the man.

The victim was not injured.

In a separate incident, Cllr Stephen said a home on Norton Close was broken into via the rear entrance – similar to how his home was broken into previously.

Referring to his home break-in, he said: “They stole our car keys and then joy-rode our car before abandoning it burnt out.

“We had a visit from the police crime prevention service and with their help drastically improved our security.

“A key thing to improve is the security of any side gates to the rear of your property. It’s essential this remains locked.”

He said if someone can gain access to the back of the property and it’s in a secluded location, “they can spend time breaking in”.

“If the side-gate is secured, that won’t happen. It sounds trivial but it’s not always done and can make a big difference.”

He said particularly at this time of year, people will be likely storing Christmas presents together in one place, making it easier if a burglar gets into their home.

“It’s really horrible for the people involved,” he added.

For further information about keeping your home safe, See: westmercia.police.uk/Home-security.