A POLICE scheme in which officers check up on the homes of residents when they are away on holiday has been reintroduced to Epping Forest.

The popular project, which was dropped just over a decade ago, is being brought back to help protect properties from burglaries.

To take part in the scheme, residents must complete an 'unoccupied house' card and then hand it in to their local police station.

The cards will then be used by police community support officers (PCSOs) everytime they go on foot patrol to check on individual homes.

Epping Forest district commander Chief Inspector Alan Ray said: "We are reintroducing this service as an additional initiative to help to protect people’s homes while they are away from them.

“In the past the 'unoccupied house' scheme has proved effective in reassuring residents that the local police are doing all they can to watch out for their homes while they are on holiday.

“Everybody has a duty to make sure their house is secure as possible. This initiative is being implemented in support of the effort made by local residents to protect their homes."

The scheme is being introduced in conjunction with Epping Forest District Council's Safer Communities group.

Its manager Caroline Wiggins said: "We are delighted to support the re-introduction of this simple but effective scheme.

“The council is working very hard with Essex Police and all our partners to reduce house burglary throughout the district and this initiative meets that objective fully."

For more information visit your local police station or call Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.