Worried about leaving your home empty while you go away on your summer holiday?

Why not loan security gadgets from your local police station to put off burglars.

Holiday Watch is a pioneering holiday security equipment loan scheme established by Dyfed-Powys Police’s Neighbourhood Development Team with the support of the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership.

The scheme, set up last year, is run by the Neighbourhood Development team in Llanelli who will loan boxes containing security equipment to members of the public. It is aimed at anyone who has poor security measures or people with a high level of fear of a crime happening when they are away on holiday.

The person loaning the kit will attend a police station and sign the relevant documentation, they will then be given advice on where to place the equipment.

Carmarthenshire CSP provided funding for a number of packs consisting of a variety of security products in a secure box.

PC Dave White of the Neighbourhood Development Team said: “There are a range of benefits including cutting crime rates, keeping away opportunist thieves, making vulnerable homes more secure while people are away on holiday, and reassuring the public.”

CSP manager Kate Thomas said: “The Holiday Watch scheme builds on the work already carried out to advise people to consider home security while away on holiday to ensure peace of mind.”

Executive board member for Community Safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “I would urge householders to take advantage of this excellent scheme by loaning the equipment. It is a simple measure that householders can take to make their property safer.”

Call at your local police station to loan a Holiday Box for while you are away.

PC Michelle Parry said: “It is important that you protect your home while you are away on holiday. You can pick up the box before you go on holidays and then return everything on your return.”

For further details please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing team on 101.

 Extra tips for protecting your property while you are away include:

• Keep windows and external doors locked whenever you are out of the house, and get into the habit of checking.
• Invest in a good quality alarm.  External alarm boxes act as a good visual deterrent.
• Make sure you have good locks fitted on doors and windows (and don’t forget to use them!)Also have a door chain fitted.
• Make it look like you are at home. Set lights on a timer switch, in a room such as the living room or bedroom. Use more than one timer to come on at different times.
• Make sure your property is marked. If it is it will be much harder for a thief to sell it, and if it is recovered it can be returned to you- look up forensic property marking for more information.
• Ask a trusted neighbour, family member or friend to keep an eye on your home, and do the same for them.
• Don’t make it too obvious that you are away from your home. Cancel any milk, newspapers or regular deliveries.
• Don’t announce your plans on social media
• If you see anyone acting suspiciously, contact the police on 101. If a crime is taking place or if someone is in danger call 999.