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Crime prevention around burglary and vehicle crime Dear Residents As the darker evenings and festive shopping periods create opportunities for criminals. The core advice involves making your home and vehicle less inviting to opportunist thieves and staying vigilant against online scams. Please consider below steps to secure your home and vehicles. Home security Lock up properly: Always close and lock all doors and windows, even if you are only leaving for a few minutes.Use timers for lighting: In the evenings, shut curtains and use timer devices to turn lights and a radio on and off, making the property appear occupied.Hide valuables and keys: Ensure all valuables are out of sight and keep keys (including car keys) away from the letterbox or cat flap, as thieves can use hooks to retrieve them.Dispose of packaging discreetly: Break down packaging for expensive new gifts and dispose of it out of sight, rather than leaving the boxes outside where they advertise high-value items within your home.Secure outbuildings: Lock your shed and garage, ensuring any tools or ladders that could be used to force entry to your home are secured away.Avoid social media advertising: Do not post on social media about being away from home, and keep holiday photos off public viewVehicle Security Lock it or lose it: Always lock your vehicle, check all windows and the sunroof are closed, and manually verify the locking has worked, as signal jammers can be used.Remove all valuables: Never leave keys, wallets, cash, laptops, or purses visible in vehicles, even for a short time.Prevent keyless theft: Use a Faraday pouch to block the electronic signal from your car keys, which helps prevent keyless entry car theft.Do not leave engine running: Do not leave your engine running unattended to de-ice or warm up your car, as your insurer may not pay out if it is stolen.Park smart: Park in well-lit areas or, if possible, in illuminated and staffed car parks. Many Thanks Police Community Support Officer Mohammed Baig Longsight Neighbourhood Team | 
