BURGLARY prevention boxes are being issued to residents in Chiltern and South Bucks districts in a bid to curb crimes committed at unattended properties.

The burglary ‘going away’ boxes, being trialled by Thames Valley Police, are for residents concerned about leaving their property empty when they go away for a period, such as on holiday or for a spell in hospital.

Gemma Herbert, Crime Prevention & Reduction Advisor for Chiltern and South Bucks, said: “Leaving your home unoccupied for a longer period than usual can be a worrying time for people.

“All the devices in the box are easy to use, free-standing and do not require fitting. We hope that residents find it helpful to have these practical burglary deterrent devices available at the same time and that this will go some way towards making them feel less concerned when they leave their homes empty.

“Providing temporary security measures makes homes less desirable to potential thieves.”

The burglary going away box includes: - A plug-in timer switch that sets household lights to automatically turn on and off at pre-programmed times.

- A plug-in box that emits different types of light to give the impression that someone is in the room watching television, which can be pre-set.

- Battery powered mobile motion detection house and shed alarms.

- An ultraviolet light property marking pen.

- Crime prevention literature.

The trial, of a limited number of boxes, will run until the end of the summer, when a decision will be made about extending the initiative.

To take part in the trial call the Thames Valley Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101 and ask to speak to a neighbourhood officer for Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire.