Police in Bradford are launching an innovative digital home security guide to help keep burglars at bay.

Videos will be shown on You Tube to demonstrate to residents how easy and cost-effective it can be to improve home security, including the installation of secure locks, how to protect a garden and gates, a visual guide on how to fit a recommended ‘snap safe’ lock and general advice on fitting anti-break-in devices to protect windows.

The short films have been made as part of a series of events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Neighbourhood Watch in Bradford this year.

PC Ian Shreeve, Crime Reduction Officer for Bradford District, said: “Crime reduction remains one of the very best methods we have of keeping criminals out in the cold in Bradford and it is amazing how a few very cost-effective improvements to a home can help dramatically increase security.

“We hope residents will get the chance to see these short films which really demonstrate how easy it is to make your property more secure.

“Simple precautions, such as installing dusk-to-dawn outside lighting, installing indoor lights on a timer switch, and making sure keys and wallets are kept out of sight from windows and doors can make a real difference.

“Fitting an approved snap safe lock will provide you with a much stronger and more resilient alternative to the standard ‘euro profile’ cylinder locks commonly fitted to uPVC doors.”

Inspector Esther Hobbs said Neighbourhood Watch remained a very important crime prevention partnership.

She said: “Neighbourhood Watch has been a tremendous success since it was first launched in Bradford more than 25 years ago.”

Modern snap safe locks can be obtained from the police-approved charity CASAC (Community Action Support Against Crime), which can also be contacted on (0113) 380 5650 for a free consultation.

To ask about Neighbourhood Watch in your area, call Catherine Wynn and Howard Buckley on (01274) 376228.