Don’t be a Target
Winter Burglary Peaks – A Prevention Message

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...

OCCUPIED:

• take in your bins and parcels (and those of your neighbour's - form a "Bin/Parcel Club")
• use timer lights
• use radio/TV mimicking devices
• ask a trusted person to open/close curtains if you are away
• and move your cars about
• ask your neighbours to park on your drive
• 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

DIFFICULT:

• install door and window locks (to the latest security standards)
• a link door between the garage and the house should be treated as any other external door
• French windows and patio doors should be fitted with a multi-point locking system with three or more hook bolts
• lock doors and windows
• install a side gate and ensure all gates are locked (and that locks cannot be opened easily by reaching over)
• make sure your shed and garage doors are securely locked
• remove things that could be used to break into your property (i.e. don't leave gardening tools, ladders out)
• consider defensive planting under windows, over gates, at the boundaries of your property/garden
• ensure fences are high enough (6ft min) and secure
• secure attractive items in sheds and garages (such as high value bikes and tools) using locks and chains/secure anchor points
• don't leave keys in door/window locks, on hooks near a front door or anywhere that can easily be reached - don't make it easy for someone to break a small glass pane /door panel and reach in for the keys
• don't leave car keys on display / within reach
• consider buying a safe in which to store any high value items such as jewellery and mount the safe to the structure of the building and in an unusual place (noting thieves have been known to rip out safes and will tend to check traditional rooms such as bedrooms and offices as well as lofts)
• consider keeping high value jewellery and gold offsite in places such as bank safety deposit boxes

RISKY:

• fit lights/sensor lights to make it easier for you/your neighbours to see people on your property and to help illuminate activity for CCTV (many properties are entered from the rear garden and through rear doors/patio doors)
• install an alarm
• install CCTV at front, rear and potentially inside the property
• make sure your CCTV sends you notifications and this is turned on and it saves imagery outside of the camera
• If you're not already a member, consider joining or starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme
• clearly mark your property
• record serial numbers of property, takes photos to assist in identifying any property should it be stolen/recovered
• be aware of people and vehicles that may not usually be in your road, and which may arouse your suspicions

For more information on Home Security visit www.securedbydesign.com     https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice
or the Surrey Police WWW site at https://www.surrey.police.uk/burglary     https://www.surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/leaving-your-home-checklist/

If you see something suspicious, or what you believe to be a crime in progress, then please make sure you report it to us immediately at the time, using 999.