A Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator from Brandon has received crime prevention equipment for his local scheme after winning a competition.

During Suffolk Police's 'Lights on Timers' week in October, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators put a crime prevention postcard through the letterboxes of local residents' properties they saw in darkness.

The postcards gave advice to residents encouraging them to think about the security of their home when it is not occupied. Nearly 100 Neighbourhood Watch schemes took part distributing around 3,000 cards.

Participating co-ordinators names were entered into a prize draw with the opportunity to win crime prevention equipment such as alarms and timer switches for their scheme.

On December 21, Bob Jones from Brandon received his prize, presented by PCSO Terry Joynson. Runner-up prizes were received by Peter Newby also from Brandon and Pam Miller from Wickhambrook.

Chief Insp Jenny Powell from Suffolk Police's community safety department said: 'Leaving your house in total darkness is a sure sign no-one's at home and an invitation to burglars.'

'Burglars look for quick win opportunities; they don't want to run the risk of a confrontation so simply leaving a light on to give the impression someone is at home is often enough to deter them.'

'Timer switches can also be fitted to operate radios and lights if you're not back from work until after dark or if you're away for a few days. Leaving a light on costs literally pence in electricity – and that pales into insignificance compared to the hundreds of pounds in insurance excess you might have to pay should your home be broken in to.'

Anyone wishing to find out more about crime prevention advice and home security should contact their local Crime Prevention Officer at Suffolk Police on 101.