POLICE have taken an unusual approach to warning householders about burglaries - by erecting a large matrix sign at the roadside.
Normally reserved to inform motorists of roadworks or speed limits, the sign, on the main Saintfield Road in south Belfast, has now been employed to give advice on guarding their property against thieves.
The road is one of the north's busiest and serves as a main thoroughfare for motorists heading between Belfast and south Down.
The notice informs drivers to "keep them out while your out" and is part of a police operation due to last four weeks.
Police described the lower Saintfield Road area as one of the "vulnerable" areas being targeted in the campaign.
Chief Inspector Derek McCamley said: "The matrix signs on the Saintfield Road are just one example of how local police are tackling the issue of burglary in the area.
"The number of local Neighbourhood Watch schemes have risen in tandem with an increase in visible policing in vulnerable areas - and the lower Saintfield Road is one of these."
He added: "In a short time we have had significant success in reducing burglaries here and have made a number of arrests."
Inspector McCamey said that burglars in the area were being assisted by some homeowners who were continuing to leave doors and windows unlocked.
"We are still finding that in up to 40 per cent of domestic burglaries in the area entry is gained to the home via an unlocked or insecure door or window."
The roadside matrix signs are increasingly used by police in a variety of appeals.
Last year officers in the Lisburn area installed an electronic road sign in the run-up to Christmas with an eye-catching phrase to warn drivers about the dangers of speeding.
Bemused motorists were met with the rather unusual road safety message 'Wise The Bap'.
