Subject: keep your house secure as the evenings draw in
The evenings are already starting to draw in and the clocks go back this weekend during the night of Saturday 29 October, meaning that from next week many of us will be returning home from work or school in the dark.
Darker evenings and homes in total darkness give burglars an opportunity to easily see which houses are unoccupied. Here are a few things you might like to consider to reduce the chance of your home being targeted:
Lock doors and windows when you go out.
If you go away on holiday don’t post details on social networking websites. Arrange for a friend or neighbour to take in any parcels and to make sure papers and post aren’t left sticking out of your letter box, and if you have a burglar alarm make sure it is set before you leave.
Invest in a timer light switch to switch a lamp on, and vary the time it comes on each day to make it look more natural. It can also be used with a radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home.
Perhaps purchase a fake/ simulated TV device which lights up a room like a real TV
When you are at home draw your curtains or blinds as soon as you need to turn interior lights on. Don’t allow a passing opportunist a clear view of your valuables and possessions.
Keep valuables out of sight and mark them with your home number and postcode.
Register your valuables via
www.immobilise.com and keep an inventory list. It's free and takes just a few minutes.
If you have jewellery at home, photograph it for insurance purposes and consider storing it in a suitable safe.
Look out for your neighbours’ houses, especially when they’re not at home and call the police if you see anything suspicious on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
If you and your neighbours are interested in looking out for each other, forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme may be a good idea, check out the benefits at
www.ourwatch.org.ukFor further crime reduction advice you can visit the Thames Valley Police website;
www.thamesvalley.police.uk Message Sent By
Dawn James (Police, Neighbourhood Administrator, Windsor & Maidenhead)
