POLICE were in Hereford’s High Town advising people on how to protect their property at the start of a 28 day pledge to tackle burglaries in the county.

Home break-ins have more than halved in the past five years in Herefordshire and less than one a day is reported.

But 26 per cent of all burglaries in the county last year were committed because people did not lock or close their doors and windows.

“We believe it’s far better to prevent burglaries happening in the first place,” said Detective Inspector Martyn Barnes.

“Within the next 28 days we will visit every domestic burglary victim who had suffered a break-in within the last two years.

“We want them to feel safe in their homes and will offer them further crime prevention advice, of appropriate, to ensure that they are not the subject of re-victimisation.”

DI Barnes added that a free home security survey will be conducted of every household who requests one should they think they are vulnerable and every legal means will be taken to deter, disrupt and detect burglars.

“We are totally committed to making Herefordshire as burglary-free and burglar free as possible,” he said.

“With the help of all the communities in the county playing their part, we can really make that happen.”

• Advice that police give homeowners include locking and closing doors and windows, cancelling milk and papers when you go away and leaving a light on when you go out.

Free SmartWater property kits can also be provided to victims and vulnerable people, which can be painted on to any property.

It is invisible to the naked eye, but glows yellow/green under ultra-violet light and assists police to locate owners if anything is stolen and can also deter burglars.

Anyone who feels vulnerable can call Hereford Police on 01432 347306.