THE COUNCIL and the police have teamed up to issue some top tips to stay safe in the new year.

Residents are less likely to be the victims of burglary by taking a few simple steps to deter crooks.

Ten tips for staying safe:

1. Lock your doors and windows
Lock your side gates and fit extra window locks or deadlocks if necessary. Remember to double lock your UPVC doors by lifting the door handle and turning the key.

2. Make your home look occupied
Signs of unoccupied properties are uncollected mail and milk and unlit houses after dark. Get a neighbour to collect your mail and milk, and leave a light on or invest a in a timer if you are out at night.

3. Put your keys away
Burglars are skilled at getting to your keys through letterboxes and windows so keep them out of sight. Never leave a spare key hidden outside.

4. Install an alarm
Burglar alarms are one of the most effective ways of protecting your home.

5. Secure ladders and tools
Keep your tools and ladders in a locked garage or shed 6. Don’t advertise your goods Keep gadgets, jewellery and cash stored away from windows where possible.

7. Join your local
Neighbourhood Watch Why not join or start a Neighbourhood Watch group where you can pick up many more valuable crime prevention tips.

8. Make sure burglars can be seen
Trim hedges and install outside lights so burglars can’t operate without being seen by others.

9. Stay vigilant
If you live in a flat with a buzzer-operated door don’t grant entry to people you do not know. If your suspicious of someone who you may think be a burglar then ring the police.

10. Take precautions
Ensure that you mark or take pictures of your property in case you are burgled and have the chance to claim or identify your goods. Be sure that you have adequate insurance.

For more information, call Redbridge's Crime Prevention Officers on 020 8554 9264, 020 8345 3406 or email redbridgeCPO@met.police.uk.

If you are of pensionable age you may qualify for free security products and installation by a qualified fitter. For details call Help the Aged on 01364 651643.