WINTER nights - put on your lights. That is the message going out to householders and cyclists from Eastleigh police and the local Community Safety Partnership.

With the onset of dark winter mornings and evenings, the dual message is aimed at making it more difficult for burglars and protecting cyclists - especially school pupils.

Eastleigh already has one of the lowest burglary rates in the country, but the warning to householders is not to become complacent and to continue to take adequate measures to protect their properties.

Eastleigh police crime reduction officer Barbara White said: "We are very proud to have one of the lowest burglary rates in the country and want to keep it that way.

"But we do need householders to continue assisting us by making it difficult for thieves to break in. This becomes even more important during the winter months when many people arrive home from work after dark."

She added: "Investing in timer switches to switch on lights when darkness falls not only creates a sense of occupancy, it also creates a deterrent to a would-be thief and makes the home much more welcoming for when the owner eventually arrives home. The same can be said of sensor-operated spotlights that automatically operate when someone approaches the property."

The crime reduction officer has also urged residents to consider setting up Neighbourhood Watch schemes and think about home security.

Specific information on setting up or joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can be obtained by contacting local association chairman Guy Smales on 023 8027 0679.

Turning to the issue of winter road safety, Barbara said: "We urge all cyclists, but especially children, to ensure that they have lights on their cycles.

"They should also try to wear light coloured clothing with fluorescent markings or accessories to help make them seen more easily by road users."

She added: "It is frightening to see cyclists on the road without lights at any time of the year, but especially so when we are all adjusting and getting used to driving in the dark again.

"I would particularly urge parents to accept some responsibility by making sure that their children do have lights for their cycles."

The officer added that parents should also ensure that the lights are in good working order.