HOUSEHOLDERS across the district are being offered advice to help keep their homes safe.

Stroud District Council’s community safety team is offering free home security surveys from its newly qualified wardens, providing advice on securing homes and preventing burglaries.

The survey, which is available to all residents, gives advice on how to make homes less attractive to a potential burglar, as most domestic burglaries are committed by ‘opportunists’.

Cllr Joe Forbes, cabinet member for community services, said: "We know that burglary is one of the most feared crimes and this is particularly true for the elderly and vulnerable. The aim of this scheme is to tackle crime by reducing and preventing it."

To reduce the chances of burglary, householders can take a few basic steps to prevent the opportunist and make it difficult for them to operate. These include: * Make your home appear occupied when out or away by using timer switches to turn lights on and off * Keep keys in a safe place away from windows and doors * Don’t open your door to unexpected callers. Check their identity first using a door viewer or a door chain * Keep the doors locked, even whilst at home, and keep ground and easily accessible first-floor windows closed at all times * Fit and use good quality British standard locks on doors and windows * Install a burglar alarm * Lock away ladders, garden tools and other items that burglars could use For further information contact the community safety team on 01453 754276.