Crime-fighting tips for householders

Officers from North Yorkshire Police have teamed up with

officials from Ryedale Council to produce a hitlist of tips to

help ensure that homes are not broken into during the festive season.

Advice includes not putting out empty boxes from Christmas presents until the recycling collection day so that burglars are not given a clue as to what expensive items are inside a property.

The Safer Ryedale team has also urged householders to ensure their homes are secure, and curtains are pulled at night so that burglars cannot see into the properties.

Leaflets for the Crime Prevention Menu are being distributed across the Ryedale district's market towns with a series of street surgeries.

Events have already been held in Kirkbymoorside and Pickering, and officers will be out in Helmsley today and Malton tomorrow.

The leaflets are also available at libraries and in the offices of Ryedale Council.