A new campaign will be launched by the borough’s safer neighbourhood team on Monday, July 18, to help drive down the number of burglaries in Epsom and Ewell.

Epsom and Ewell’s safer neighbourhood team have been given £500 through the independent charity Crimestoppers by Surrey County Council Local Committee for Epsom and Ewell to fund the campaign, which will see officers delivering specially designed postcards to homes in burglary ‘hotspot’ areas in the hope that members of the public will then provide information to Surrey Police about those responsible for the burglaries.

Epsom and Ewell neighbourhood inspector Craig Knight said: “I was extremely grateful to Surrey Crimestoppers and Surrey County Council for the funding they gave for a campaign in the Epsom and Ewell area.

“After unfortunately being hit with a spate of recent burglaries I believe this initiative will be an ideal way of bringing the criminals responsible to justice.

“I am hoping the new postcards will make people think about things they have seen or heard which may help officers with the ongoing investigations or they will make them think more about their own security around the home to prevent them becoming a victim.”

Surrey Crimestoppers chairman Tim Prideaux JP DL, added: “Burglary is a crime that can have devastating consequences for the victim.

“That is why we are so pleased to join with Surrey Police in Epsom and Ewell to catch burglars and those who profit from it.”

It is estimated one in three burglars don’t have to force their way into a property as doors and windows are left unsecured.

Follow these tips to prevent a burglary.

• Make sure door and window frames are strong and in good working condition.

• Always lock your windows when you leave home and double-check that French windows and patio doors are secured.

• Install low wattage lighting that comes on automatically at dusk and goes off at dawn.

• Fit a burglar alarm and use it whenever you leave the property unattended or when you are asleep.

• Do not leave car, door or window keys on view and never within reach of a letterbox or window.

• Register valuable property at www.immobilise.com or keep an inventory including description, serial number and photograph of each item.

For more advice on securing your property visit surrey.police.uk

Anyone with information on burglaries in the Epsom and Ewell area or who knows the whereabouts of any stolen goods is urged to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org