Winter burglary

As the darker evenings draw in, burglars are on the prowl for valuables and cash, recognising that homes tend to be getting ready for seasonal celebrations and may have gifts lying around the house or on display.

If you leave your home in complete darkness and your curtains are not drawn, and no car is on the drive, it’s an obvious sign to an opportunist burglar that no-one is in. At this time of the year more than any other it pays to secure your home.

There are a number of simple ways to do this, all of which will help reduce the chance of your home becoming the next target.

• Visit a local retailer to pick up a 24 hour segment timer for under £5. The timer can be used with a lamp, radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home. Remember to use an energy efficient light bulb.
• Register your valuables on www.immobilise.com (opens new window) its free and takes just a few minutes and if your valuables are stolen, will allow you to tell the police, your insurer, and the second-hand trade to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Lock your doors and windows, if you have a UPVC door make sure you have double locked it.

Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling in your neighbourhood and if they believe your house is at risk of being burgled you may receive one of our ‘Here’s a bright idea’ cards through your door. You can then contact the officer and ask for further crime prevention advice.

Here's a bright idea postcard (PDF 739 Kb - opens new window)

Here's a bright idea - Youtube video

Transcript

Is your light timer switch set to come on when it gets dark?

Man enters house through the front door and is faced with a living room that has been burgled, books, magazines and cushions are strewn across the floor.

Actor: Oh what, I’ve been burgled, why has this happened to me?

Heres why….

Earlier that day, man is shown leaving his house for work

Then he is shown coming home in the evening

Do you come home to a dark house every night?

Man enters house and switches on the light and closes the front door.

If you don’t want to come home to this, picture shows living room that has been burgled

Heres a bright idea…protect your home by investing in a light timer switch.

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