Frosty Winter Mornings

Dear Resident,

Stay Safe This Winter: Crime Prevention Tips for Early Mornings in Birmingham

West Midlands Police is reminding residents in Birmingham to stay vigilant and take simple precautions to prevent crime during the winter months — especially during early morning hours, when darkness and cold weather can create opportunities for criminals.

As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, certain types of crime — such as vehicle theft, burglary, and personal theft — become more common. Here’s how you can protect yourself, your home, and your property this winter.

1. Don’t Leave Your Car Unattended While Defrosting

It might be tempting to leave your engine running while you go back inside to keep warm, but opportunistic thieves are known to target ‘frosting’ vehicles.

Stay with your car while it defrosts.

Use a scraper and de-icer rather than leaving the engine running.

Lock your vehicle between clearing windows to avoid theft.

Never leave valuables visible on seats or dashboards.

2. Secure Your Home in the Early Hours

The darkness of early winter mornings can make homes appear empty or vulnerable.

Always lock doors and windows, even when you’re home.

Use timers for lights or smart bulbs to create the illusion of occupancy.

Install motion sensor lighting or CCTV cameras where possible.

Don’t leave spare keys in obvious places like under mats or flowerpots.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

If you walk or commute in the early hours, especially before sunrise, make personal safety a priority.

Stick to well-lit, busy routes wherever possible.

Avoid using headphones or looking down at your phone.

If you feel uneasy, enter a shop or busy area and call someone you trust.

Consider carrying a personal alarm or using tracking/sharing apps with family.

4. Keep Delivery and Rubbish Clues Hidden

After the holiday season, packaging left outside can signal expensive purchases to would-be burglars.

Break down boxes and packaging from new electronics or gifts.

Don’t leave them visible on the curb for extended periods.

Consider taking packaging directly to recycling centres if possible.

5. Watch Out for Your Neighbours

Winter can be especially isolating for elderly or vulnerable residents.

Check in with neighbours, especially if you haven’t seen them for a few days.

Report any suspicious behaviour in your street to West Midlands Police.

Consider joining or starting a Neighbourhood Watch group.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you see anything suspicious, or become a victim of crime, report it immediately:

999 for emergencies

101 for non-emergencies

Or report online via the West Midlands Police website: www.west-midlands.police.uk

Let’s work together to keep Wolverhampton safe this winter. Stay alert, stay warm, and stay secure.

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Please ensure you are still utilising our crime reporting platforms below.

101, Online Webchat & WMP Website – Non emergency crime reporting / check on the progress of your report 
Report a crime | West Midlands Police

999 – Emergency / Ongoing incident