Dorset Police is urging residents in Poole and across the county to take simple steps to secure their homes against burglars as the summer season begins. The initiative, part of the annual Good Safe Summer campaign, aims to reduce opportunistic crime that often rises when families go away on holiday or leave doors and windows open during warmer weather.
According to the force, criminals frequently target homes that appear empty or easily accessible. To help protect property, police suggest that residents keep doors and windows locked even when they are inside the house. Other recommended precautions include not leaving valuables in plain sight, ensuring garden sheds and tools are securely stored, using light timer switches to make a home appear occupied, and cancelling milk or newspaper deliveries while away on holiday.
This push for home security comes as the region prepares for its busiest months of the year. The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, which includes 15 miles of coastline, welcomes roughly 10 million visitors annually, leading to a significant increase in the local population during the summer.
To bolster safety efforts, Dorset Police has increased neighbourhood policing resources across the force. Since April 2026, 40 additional officers have joined neighbourhood teams with a specific focus on visible patrols, keeping businesses safe, addressing anti-social behaviour, and investigating crimes like burglary.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has voiced his support for the campaign. He noted that the force is prepared to handle the additional demand that comes with the summer season and emphasized that authorities are committed to ensuring the region remains a safe place to live and visit.
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