Burglary prevention tips from local police

Burglary Prevention

During the winter months, we see a rise in burglary as it gets darker earlier. Below are some general security and safety measures recommended by our local police for everyone to take in order to protect themselves and make their home less of a target and less accessible to burglars.

•  If you are going to be out of the house while it’s dark, consider a timer switch for lights. Set them to come on from 4pm onwards in bedrooms and/or living rooms to give the appearance that someone is home.
• Keep any access to the side and rear of your property locked at all times. The majority of our burglaries occur by the suspect gaining access to the rear of the property via a side gate or low fencing. If you do nothing else on this list, please keep these secure.
• Test your security lights, check that the bulbs are working. If you don’t have security lights, invest in some.
• Lock away all garden accessories in garages, sheds. Do not leave them on display for people to steal. Many garden accessories are used by burglars to smash into houses or climb onto flat roofs.
• Remember to keep keys in a safe location, not in sight of windows or the front door.
• Don’t advertise your goods, keep valuables out of sight from your windows.
• Lock all windows and double lock doors when you go out, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
• Remember to cancel deliveries if you are going away. Internet deliveries, milk bottles or newspapers piling up when you are on holiday are a clear sign to burglars that you are not at home.
• Consider installing a burglar alarm, these are proven to deter thieves. They will also alert your neighbours who should naturally look out to see what’s going on. Some alarms call through directly to the police, increasing the chance of catching the burglars in the act.
• Keep hedges at the front of the property low and have a good security light both front and rear, this prevents burglars having anywhere to hide. Gravel also works as a good deterrent as it takes away any chance of a silent approach.
• Install trellises and spiky plants to stop burglars from climbing over fences. We hope this is helpful – stay secure this winter.