RESIDENTS are being offered free burglary prevention packs as break-ins soar across the borough.

The bundles, which include tips and advice on how to protect your home, are being distributed after Redbridge Council warned that residents are ten times more likely to be burgled without basic security measures.

Some of the tips suggest putting strong locks on your doors and windows and leaving the curtains closed and lights on when you go out at night.

The packs also show how to test your home's security as well as tackling the problem of bogus callers.

A spokesman for the council said: “Over the last six years, burglaries have gone down steadily in Redbridge but in 2008/9 there was an increase in home burglaries.

"That's why residents are being offered free burglary prevention packs.”

Redbridge Police have crime prevention schemes in place and say they are doing all they can to combat burglary in the Borough, including targeted police work against suspected burglars and employing more patrols.

Local residents can view the pack for free online at: homeoffice.gov.uk/secureyourhome