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As the nights draw in and the festive season approaches, opportunistic criminals often take advantage of the increased darkness and high-value items in homes and vehicles. Staying vigilant and implementing simple security measures can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. 1. Home Security (Focus on Burglary Prevention) Burglaries often increase when homes appear unlit and unoccupied during the dark afternoons and evenings. Create the Illusion of Occupancy:
Use Timer Switches: Set internal lights and a radio (or even a simulated TV unit) on timers to switch on and off automatically. Stagger the times and use multiple rooms to mimic normal daily activity.
Install External Lighting: Use dusk-to-dawn or motion-sensor security lighting at the front and back of your property, particularly near entry points.
Draw Curtains/Blinds: Close them after dark to prevent passers-by from seeing if the house is empty and to hide high-value items or gifts.
Manage Post/Deliveries: If you are away, ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail and clear packages from your doorstep so they don't pile up. Use secure delivery options or lockers where possible. Secure Entry Points:
Lock All Doors and Windows: This is the most crucial step. Double-check all doors and windows, including upstairs windows and those on sheds and garages, and ensure they are locked, even when you are home or just “nipping out.”
Secure uPVC Doors Properly: For uPVC doors, lift the handle and use the key to double-lock them—the lift-and-lock action engages the multi-point locking system.
Keys Out of Sight: Never leave keys (house or car) visible near doors, windows, or in the lock. This prevents "fishing" through the letterbox. Keep them secure but accessible for emergency exit. Secure the Garden and Outbuildings:
Sheds and Garages: Always keep sheds and garages locked, especially as they often contain valuable tools or bikes, which can also be used to break into the main house (e.g., ladders).
Secure Ladders and Bins: Lock away ladders and put garden furniture away for the winter, as they can be used by burglars as climbing aids.
Boundary Fences and Gates: Ensure perimeter fences and side gates are secure and properly locked. 2. Vehicle Security (Focus on Theft from and of Vehicles) Vehicle crime, especially keyless theft, remains a significant concern.
Never Leave the Engine Running: On cold mornings, never leave your car unattended with the engine running to de-ice it. Thieves specifically target cars left running with keys in the ignition.
Protect Key Fobs: Keep keyless entry fobs in a metal tin or pouch (a faraday cage) well away from the front door/windows to block the signal that thieves use to relay the car's lock code.
Keep Valuables Hidden: Do not leave any valuables on display, including coats, loose change, satellite navigation systems, or shopping bags. Secure items in the boot.
Wipe Away Suction Marks: Clean any sat-nav suction marks from the windscreen, as these signal to thieves that the device may be hidden inside the vehicle.
Double-Check Locking: Always physically check that your car doors are locked after using the key fob, as criminals sometimes use devices to block the locking signal. 3. Personal Safety and Online Shopping Gifts Out of Sight: Do not display your Christmas tree or gifts right in front of a window where they are visible from the street. This can attract unwanted attention.
Dispose of Packaging Discreetly; After Christmas, do not leave empty boxes for expensive items (like large TVs or electronics) next to your bins. Break them down or take them to a recycling centre so you are not advertising what new items you have inside.
Be a Social Media Savvy: Do not advertise holiday plans or travel dates on social media, as this clearly tells criminals that your home will be unoccupied. Wait until you return home to post photos.
Bogus Callers: Be cautious of unexpected visitors claiming to be from utility companies (gas, water, electric). Always use a door chain, ask for ID, and call the company's official number (found on a bill or online) to verify they are legitimate. In an emergency or to report a crime in progress, always dial 999. For non-emergencies or to report suspicious activity, call 101 or report it via the Metropolitan Police Website. | 
