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Whether is the dark days of Winter or the long light days of Summer - or anything in between, it is always timely to check that your house is not vulnerable to opportunist thieves. If you are out of your house a lot, and usually leave and return from work in the dark, then please take on board this advice.
If no lights are on in your home, curtains are not drawn, and no cars on the drive, it's an obvious sign to an opportunist burglar that no-one is in. Many (but not all!) opportunist burglaries occur in the late afternoons in the later Autumn and Winter months when it is getting dark and before most people get back in. But don't forget - even during the lighter evenings, it’s really important to continue to be vigilant: keep doors and windows securely locked (even if it’s hot weather).
There are several simple things that you can do to help reduce the risks of crime, such as making it appear that someone is at home even if you're all out, ensuring that you have secure approved locks on doors and windows, and maintaining external automatic lighting. You can find information regarding home security on the Essex Police website -
www.essex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary
There are a number of simple things which you could take on board, to help reduce incidents of crime.
- Purchase 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. Set them to come on from 16:00
- Register your valuables on www.immobilise.com – This is a free service and takes just a few minutes and if your valuables are stolen, will allow you to tell the police and your insurer to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Consider installing an intruder alarm - click here.
- Look your doors and windows, if you have a UPVC door make sure you have double locked it.
- Draw curtains and blinds at night
- Shut and lock your side gates
- Make your home look like someone is at home even when you go out.
If you hear or see anything suspicious please call Essex Police on 101 or 999 if you believe a crime is being committed.
We have seen a company that specialises in home security and crime prevention products from which some members have purchased various items with good feedback:-
https://www.crimepreventionproducts.co.uk/
