A DOORSTEP crime prevention workshop has helped worried homeowners to clue up on ways to make their homes safer.

Tricks to stop thieves, rogue traders and bogus callers were among the topics discussed by OWL Cymru, the community safety and crime prevention charity for North East Wales. The workshop, held at St Peter’s Church, Ruthin on May 30, welcomed residents who were concerned about their safety at home or when out and about.

The event was also attended by Ruthin town councillors, North Wales Police officers, criminology university students and Reverend Stuart Evans from St Peter’s Church.

Denise Edwards, OWL chief executive officer, said: “We discussed target hardening, the police’s Herbert Protocol crime safety initiative and Denbighshire County Council’s Telecare scam prevention initiative. We also handed out doorstep crime and scam awareness packs and window stickers, and offered additional support to those who needed it.

“Our message is ‘If in doubt, keep them out.’”

One older resident who attended said they were told about the workshop by a family member who thought they would benefit from it. "I really enjoyed this and learnt a great deal that will help me to keep ahead of criminals who target the older people," they said.

Anne Roberts, Ruthin town councillor and OWL Cymru trustee, said: “OWL Cymru does valuable work in the community and Ruthin has been lacking in crime and scam awareness. The work they do is all about public reassurance and I am determined to assist them in getting the message out there.”

For more information about OWL Cymru’s upcoming workshops or its text alert system, call 01352 708118.