During the winter months we see an increase in burglaries with the darker nights enabling criminals to stay hidden and to identify unoccupied homes more easily. Analysis tells us that burglars are more likely to attack properties from the rear, which are not overlooked, and which have side access. They are more likely to steal high value jewellery and watches as well as cash.
Please take a moment to think about how you can make your homes look OCCUPIED, how you can make it DIFFICULT to target your property/shed/garage and a RISKY choice for offenders. Burglars don't want to be seen and they skulk about looking for easy targets. Don't make it easy for them. Here are some suggestions...
- use timer lights
- move your cars about
- use radio/TV mimicking devices
- ask your neighbours to park on your drive
- ask a trusted person to open/close curtains if you are away
- take in your bins and parcels (and those of your neighbour's - form a "Bin/Parcel Club")
- consider not displaying certain cultural item's in windows (to minimise the risk of the property being singled out as a target for a “Family Gold” burglary)
- consider this advice whenever you leave the property, not just if you are away for the night, on holiday etc. - burglaries can occur in very short time windows (for example owner just popping out to pick up the kids, or a quick bit of shopping) especially if the property is being watched
More suggestions:
