Darker Nights - Protect Your Home This Autumn and Winter

Darker Nights - Protect Your Home This Autumn and Winter

As the evenings become darker and the nights draw in, now is a good time to review your home security. Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of burglary and keep your home and belongings safe.

Burglary Prevention Advice

🔒 Make your home look occupied If you're going out for the evening or away from home, use timer switches to turn lights on when it gets dark or use smart lighting that you can control remotely using a smartphone app. An unlit property can signal that nobody is home. 

🏠 Lock up properly Always lock your doors, patio doors and ground-floor windows before going out or going to bed. Remember to secure first-floor windows if they can be accessed from a flat roof, extension or balcony.

🚪 Keep your home secure, even when you're in If you're working in the garden or at the rear of your property, ensure front doors and windows remain locked. This simple step can deter opportunist thieves.

🚨 Use your alarm If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set whenever you leave the house and overnight while you sleep.

🔑 Keep keys and valuables out of sight Do not leave car keys, house keys, ID cards, handbags or other valuables near doors, windows or letterboxes where they could be seen or reached by offenders.

🌳 Secure your garden Lock side gates and garden access points, and store tools, ladders and equipment securely. These items can be used to gain entry to your home.

💡 Consider security lighting Well-placed security lighting can act as an effective deterrent. Lighting is particularly useful around entrances, driveways, pathways, side passages, garages and sheds. If you already have security lighting check the bulbs to ensure its in working order.

By taking a few simple steps, you can make your home less attractive to burglars and help keep your family and property safe this autumn and winter.

If you notice suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, please report it to West Yorkshire Police via 101 or online. In an emergency, always call 999.

Remember: Close it. Lock it. Secure it.