With darker nights still upon us, we are sharing some simple ways to protect your home.

 

Popping out of the house?

  • Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes!
  • Double-lock any door
  • Make sure that any valuables are out of sight – this includes leaving packaging from outside of your house
  • Keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening
  • Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallways
  • In the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on
  • If you’re out all day, then it’s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night
  • Set your burglar alarm
  • Make sure the side gate is locked
  • Lock your shed or garage
  • Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor

Going away?

  • If you’re off on holiday and wish to post anything on social media, make sure your posts aren’t public and that they’re only seen by your friends – you don’t want potential burglars to know your house will be unattended!
  • Leave lights and a radio on a timer to make your house appears occupied
  • Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property, or you could join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to keep in touch with those in your street
  • Consider asking your neighbours to close curtains after dark
  • If your driveway will be empty – you could also ask a neighbour to park on there to deter burglars from breaking in
  • Remember to cancel newspaper and milk deliveries – you don’t want these piling up on your doorstep!

View other crime prevention advice: 

Crime prevention advice | West Mercia Police

If you need to contact the police you can get in touch via their website:

https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ 

Or in an emergency please call 999.

Thank you for your support. 

helen mccabe
Author: helen mccabe