THE importance of home safety during the winter is being highlighted in the Hambleton district this month.

The campaign hopes to encourage householders to take basic security measures and offers advice relating to crime prevention.

The district's community safety partnership will be at six market places next week between 10am and 4pm. On Monday the roadshow will call at Thirsk, and during the week will visit Bedale, Easingwold, Great Ayton and Stokesley, finishing at Northallerton on Saturday.

Community safety officer, PC Phil Bird, said: "When the clock alters so does the perception of the fear of crime. It always rises during the winter months leading up to Christmas.

"Within Hambleton crime rates, including burglary, are relatively low compared with more urban areas. However, given the earlier darker nights, homes become more vulnerable because they appear unoccupied.

"To help us, residents must take some basic steps to ensure that homes appear to be occupied by switching on lights, drawing curtains and, most of all, being sure property is secured."