Winter burglary prevention advice
After the clocks go back we start thinking about the darker night’s drawing in. Traditionally there is a rise in burglaries in the winter period, especially during the run up to Christmas and it is sensible to think about your home security.
You can reduce the risk of being a victim of burglary by following four simple steps:
- Leave a light on inside your home when you are absent, preferably using a low energy bulb.
- Use a timer switch to activate lights as it gets dark, alternating the times they are illuminated to give the impression of someone being at home.
- Make sure your front door is well lit using dusk to dawn lighting that automatically comes on as it gets dark.
- Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times.
In addition, we would advise you to take these security tips:
- Register valuable items with a serial number at www.immobilise.com and add a photograph.
- Do not leave your car keys, handbags, wallets or mobile phones near doors, letterboxes or windows.
- Never leave keys in the door if you have a cat flap or letter box.
- Keep your valuables out of sight. Burglars will be looking through windows for items of value.
- Install a visible burglar alarm with a box on the front and rear of yoru property.
- Keep gates and sheds locked.
- Store your wheelie bins behind secure side gates to prevent them being used as climbing aids.
- Increase the height of your back or side fencing by adding diamond style trellis topping which is difficult to climb.
- Plant spiky plants in vulnerable areas.
- Think about getting a driveway alarm – this is a cheap and effective deterrent which can be switched on at night when you go to bed to protect against anyone entering your drive or garden.
- If you are lucky enough to be going away on holiday, do not post your holiday plans or movements on social-networking sites.
- Subscribe to your local Neighbourhood Watch
