RESIDENTS are being asked to take part in a crime prevention trial programme of 'going away’ boxes.

Thames Valley Police is trialling a burglary prevention initiative in the Chiltern and South Bucks policing area for residents concerned about leaving their property empty when they go away for a period of time.

The 'going away’ box includes a plug-in timer switch for household lights to automatically switch on, a plug-in box that emits different types of light to give the impression of someone watching television, and battery powered mobile motion detection house and shed alarms.

The pack also includes an ultraviolet light property marking pen and crime prevention leaflets.

Gemma Herbert, crime prevention & reduction advisor for Chiltern and South Bucks, said: “All the devices in the box are easy to use, free-standing and do not require fitting. We hope that residents find it helpful to have these practical burglary deterrent devices available at the same time and that this will go some way towards making them feel less concerned when they leave their homes empty.” The trial of a limited number of boxes will run until the end of the summer, when a decision will be made about extending the initiative.

If you would to take part in the trial please call 101 and ask to speak to a neighbourhood officer for Chiltern and South Bucks.