Autumn/Winter Burglary Advice

Burglaries can often increase during the longer darker nights in the autumn and winter months. However, crime prevention doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – taking simple measures such as timer lights, dusk till dawn lights, locking your doors and windows and using your alarm can significantly reduce your chances of being a victim.

Here’s some simple steps that everyone can take to improve their home security:

• Always lock your doors and windows even when you’re at home.
• Always take the key out of the lock and keep it in a safe place – do not leave keys in reach of the letterbox, a cat flap, or on view through a window.
• Invest in timer light switches, and set lights to come on and go off in your home – using low energy light bulbs.
• Make sure items such as car keys, laptops, tablets, phones and cash cannot be seen through a window.
• Do not leave power cables or charger units for laptops and tablets plugged in and on show.
• Make sure Euro cylinder locks have achieved – (3 star rating) or Sold Secure Diamond Standard for lock cylinders.
• If you have a burglar alarm always remember to switch it on when you leave the house or when you go to bed.
• Why not start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area?