BOLTON police officers intend to put a stop to summer holidays becoming a passport to burglary for unscrupulous crooks. In a new initiative, crime prevention officers are "ticketing" Bolton holidaymakers in a bid to stop them being taken for a ride. Travel agents throughout the town are being urged to put a recently released advisory pamphlet - 'Peace Of Mind While You Are Away' - into envelopes containing holiday tickets.

The pamphlet, together with an explanatory letter from Bolton Community Safety Officer, Chris Waters, should arrive on the doorstep, providing the perfect reminder for people preparing for their holiday.

Four out of five burglaries occur when a property is empty, so the advice given is "don't advertise that you're away on holiday".

The pamphlet outlines the correct procedures to follow to reduce the possibilities of holidaymakers falling victim of a burglary while away.

Chris explained: "So far we have had a good response back from travel agents."

He added: "When I do personal safety talks to people of all age groups I am always asked the question, 'Shall I leave my curtains drawn or undrawn for two weeks while I am away?' I always answer 'Do you normally leave your curtains closed or open?'

"You can see the great benefit of getting somebody to come and check your house on a daily basis while you are away, making it look occupied and hence reducing the possibility of it being broken into.

"Always remember as well to provide the police with the dates you will be away from your house, and details of a keyholder to assist if needed while you are away.

"When leaving for your place of departure it is advisable never to leave from outside your front door with all your suitcases and bags piled up, as opportunists do not take long to work out that your house may be vacant for a couple of weeks.

"If using taxis use recognisable taxi companies you have used and trusted in the past, but always remember if possible not to let too many strangers know that you will be away."

Other measures outlined in the pamphlet include: Cancel deliveries such as milk discreetly, not in front of a shop full of people; Do not leave valuables near the window in easy view; Cut the lawns before setting off; And mark any valuable items with the post code of the house, followed by the house number.

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