A NEW video shows householders how to work out if their home is a potential burglar magnet.

Kirklees police have produced the short film after West Yorkshire’s top policeman revealed in the Examiner the risk posed to thousands of homes because of flimsy door locks.

Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison spoke out about cheap euro-profile locks, which are fitted to thousands of UPVC doors but can be easily snapped by thieves in a matter of seconds.

More than 300 homes in Kirklees have been targeted in this way in the last year.

Crime reduction officer Pc Roger Day’s video helps people to identify if their lock is susceptible to attack.

It also highlights home security measures

Pc Day said: “By viewing the film, you’ll be able to see what kind of locks you need to prevent burglars from gaining access and also other methods of security, such as sash-jammers.

“We have seen a trend where euro-profile locks in particular have been targeted by burglars, which are predominantly fitted to UPVC doors as a standard fitting.

“If you are not sure whether your door has a snap-proof lock then the odds are you haven’t got one.

“Please check with a reputable locksmith and make it hard on the burglar.”

The video, which can be viewed at www.examiner.co.uk, also has advice about Kirklees police’s current campaign, Coded for Christmas.

Officers are distributing thousands of ultraviolet pens across the Kirklees so that people can mark valuables with their post code and house number.

Police are also visiting second-hand traders with detection lamps to identify any stolen items.

Pc Day added: “We are doing everything we can in Kirklees to catch out burglars and keep your home safe.

“However, we also need residents do their part and prevent themselves from becoming an easy target.”

Further crime prevention advice is available at

www.westyorkshire.police.uk