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The clocks go back by one hour tomorrow - Sunday 26th October - at 2am, so please remember to take additional care with your security - burglaries tend to peak just after British Summer Time ends, and the following list is a useful checklist of appropriate precautions: Timeswitches should be deployed to make your home look occupied from 30 minutes before sunset, which on Sunday will be 1647hrs (so set switches to come on for 1615hrs). One homeowner who used only one timeswitch was burgled the very same night that the bulb failed - so have a second timeswitch/lamp in operation, or connect two lamps to the same timeswitch.Sunset recedes by around 15mins a week until 21st December, so make sure that you use technology that automates that change, or keep on top of it a week ahead.Lights Out for timeswitches should be set for at least 2230hrs, preferably a bit later.Floodlights using LED technology should be tested and positioned to cover dark areas of your property to the side and rear.Access should be blocked to the side and rear of your property - rear access by burglars is often used if you've made it easy.Outbuildings should be locked and climbing aids such as patio furniture should be removed for the winter.Ladders should always be locked away throughout the year.Intruder Alarms should be in place as a visible deterrent, and tested annually.CCTV/Video Doorbells - however basic - will act as another visible deterrent and will help you to work collaboratively with your neighbours if a crime takes place - please consider joining CCTV Watch HERENeighbours should be asked to push any post through your letterbox if you are going away; and the favour returned.Vehicles should have all valuables removed, the vehicle should be locked and a physical security device deployed every time you park your vehicle.Hedges at the front of your property are an often overlooked bonus for burglars - once behind those they can work away in relative comfort - make sure they are trimmed back to around 1m in height to give a clear view to neighbours and passers-by of any would-be intruder. Please Report ALL CrimeThe Metropolitan Police and Hillingdon Neighbourhood Watch ask you to please report ALL crime - 999 in an emergency or if the crime is actually in progress, otherwise 101, online or via the POLICE.UK app (Android, Apple) - describe your location accurately, and consider using what3words to describe your exact location - you can install the App on your mobile and this method is recognised by the emergency services. Thank you for your continued support of the Metropolitan Police and Neighbourhood Watch on Hillingdon - striving to make our Borough a safer place in which to live and work. | 
