Autumn / Winter Burglary Advice
Burglaries can often increase during the longer darker nights in the autumn and winter months.
However, crime prevention doesn't have to cost a lot of money - taking simple measures such as timer lights, dusk till dawn lights, locking your doors and windows and using your alarm can significantly reduce your chances of being a victim.
Here's some simple steps that everyone can take to improve their home security : -
- Always lock your doors and windows even when you’re at home
- Always take the key out of the lock and keep it in a safe place - do not leave keys in reach of the letterbox, a cat flap, or on view through a window.
- Invest in timer light switches, and set lights to come on and go off in your home - using low energy light bulbs.
- Make sure items such as car keys, laptops, tablets, phones and cash cannot be seen through a window.
- Do not leave power cables or charger units for laptops and tablets plugged in and on show.
- Make sure Euro cylinder locks have achieved - TS 007 (3 star rating) or Sold Secure Diamond Standard for lock cylinders (SS312).
- If you have a burglar alarm always remember to switch it on when you leave the house or when you go to bed.
- Why not start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area?
For more advice, and to download our new Burglary Toolkit, visit the home security advice page.
Or scroll down to read our printable Crime Prevention Advice Cards
Autumn / Winter Home Security Advice Card
Crime Prevention Checklist - Residential Burglary
Lit up or in darkness?
Which would you choose if you were a burglar?
- Do you leave your home looking lived in?
- Would you be able to tell that no one is home?
- Does your home stand out from those around it?
Crime Prevention Checklist - Residential Burglary - Key Facts
- Could you use timer switches to turn lights on when you are out? Alternate times/lights and try to leave upstairs lights on where feasible
- A range of technology is also now available that enables the user to control lighting within the home when they are out and about
- Fake/simulated TV units can give the impression that someone is in when your home is empty (never leave the actual TV on)
- Take the time to ensure that your alarm system and bulbs in outside lights are in working order and use the security that you already have
- Don't leave items of value on show through ground floor windows - i.e. laptops, tablets (and the power leads), car keys, games consoles etc.
- Everyone in the home should get into the habit of locking the door, even when at home, it only takes seconds to do. Remove the keys from the lock and keep them out of view/reach - but know where they are in case of emergency
- Consider starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme on your street, it doesn't take too much time and can help bring the community together to prevent crime
Other Home Security Advice Cards
Card 3 - Patio Doors (PDF)2.32 MB
Card 4 - Car Security (PDF)1.33 MB
Card 5 - Out of Sight (PDF)1.18 MB
Card 6 - Garden (PDF)3.54 MB