Free timers that enable residents to leave a light on in their properties and help deter criminal activity in their neighbourhoods are now available.
Police officers, alongside partners at Rushcliffe Borough Council, are encouraging residents in the area to use the 24-hour timers to switch lights on at specific times and reduce the number of hours their home is left in darkness.
If a house does not have any lights on, it is more likely to be targeted by burglars who could assume it is unoccupied.
The timers are available from the Rushcliffe Borough Council Customer Service Centre and contact points and residents can now claim a limited supply timer by completing a Neighbourhood Alert registration form.
They can then be collected at one of the following locations:
- Rushcliffe Customer Service Centre, Fountain Court, Gordon Road, West Bridgford, NG2 5LN
Mondays and Thursdays 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm
- Cotgrave Hub, Rivermead, Cotgrave, NG12 3UQ
Mondays 8.30am-5pm
- East Leake Library, Gotham Road, LE12 6JG.
Wednesdays 8.30am-12.30pm
- Bingham Health Centre, Newgate Street, NG13 8FD
Thursdays 9.30am-5pm
Sarah Merrall, Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Using a timer for your lights means your house looks busy and occupied when you’re away.
“Even as the nights get shorter, these timers can help to keep your home from remaining in darkness for long periods and therefore deter criminal activity in your neighbourhood.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s director for neighbourhoods and deputy chief executive Dave Banks said: “It’s really important that your home doesn’t look inviting for criminals and using one of these free timers can help to ensure this.
“By leaving a light on in your home, you can help to deter criminal activity in your community all year round.”
