BROMSGROVE and Redditch residents are being encouraged to make their homes safer by getting community safety advice.

As part of Safer Bromsgrove's Secure Homes Initiative, stalls are being set up by Bromsgrove District Council's community safety team and West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood team.

The teams will be advising residents on the best ways to secure their homes, keep their families safe and valuables protected.

Residents will also be able to buy discounted home security products, including fake televisions and SmartWater property marking solutions, from the stalls.

SmartWater kits enable householders to mark more than 100 items. Police can then scan lost and stolen goods and help them to return property to a rightful owner and convict criminals.

Kits are being sold on the stalls at the reduced price of £15.

The first stall is being held at the Lounge Cafe, Alvechurch, from 10am until noon, tomorrow, February 15.

The second stall is being held at Wythall Library from 2pm until 4pm on Saturday, February 22.

A stall is being held in Rubery, on Saturday, March 8, at the Mica Hardware Store, from 10am until 4pm.

The final stall takes place from 2pm until 4pm on Saturday, March 22, at Hagley Library.

Felicity Pate, community safety project officer, said: “Partners from Safer Bromsgrove have been working closely with residents to tackle home security and burglary issues around the district.

"However, it is vital that the public continue to take the necessary steps to ensure their homes are secure. Together we will continue to crack down on this type of crime.”

At each of the events the first 100 members of the public will receive a free window alarm and a home security guide.

Only cash purchases will be available at the stalls, but SmartWater can also be purchased at the authority's Customer Service Centre, in School Drive, where card payments are accepted.

Purchases can be made over the phone on 01527 881572.

SmartWater kits can be delivered to residents for an additional £2 charge, to cover postage and packaging.

For more details call the Community Safety Team on 01527 881472.