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Dear resident, As we enter the winter months and the nights are longer, burglaries are more prevalent. Please take some time to read the following safeguarding advice- Home and Outbuilding Burglary Prevention Advice Most burglars look for easy opportunities. Making your property appear occupied, improving physical security, and removing opportunities can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. Secure Doors and Windows Always lock doors and windows, even when you are only leaving for a short time or working in the garden.Fit good-quality locks that meet recognised standards and ensure doors, frames and hinges are robust.Check patio and sliding doors have anti-lift devices and appropriate locks.Consider upgrading vulnerable doors and windows to security-rated products.Make the Property Look Occupied Use timer switches for lights, radios or smart devices when away.Avoid advertising holidays or long absences on social media.Ask trusted neighbours to keep an eye on the property and remove post or parcels. Or ask friends or family to periodically check the address.Allow trusted neighbours to park on your driveway to make it appear address is occupied.Improve Visibility and Natural Surveillance Keep front hedges and walls low so neighbours and passers-by can see the property.Maintain rear and side fencing at a higher level to restrict access.Trim overgrown shrubs that may provide hiding places.Consider gravel paths or driveways which can make intruders more noticeable.Use Security Lighting, Alarms and CCTV Install motion-activated security lighting around access points.Consider a burglar alarm and ensure it is maintained and regularly used.CCTV and video doorbells can deter offenders and provide evidence if a crime occurs.Protect Sheds, Garages and Outbuildings Keep sheds, garages and workshops locked with strong locks and hasps.Secure ladders, power tools and gardening equipment, as these are attractive targets and may also be used to gain entry to the house.Anchor valuable items such as bicycles, motorcycles and machinery to fixed points where possible.Use alarms, lighting or CCTV to cover vulnerable outbuildings.Protect Valuable Property Property mark and register valuables using a recognised property database.Record serial numbers, photographs and descriptions of high-value items.Consider using a securely fixed safe for important documents, jewellery and cash.Be Alert to Distraction Burglaries Never let unknown callers into your home without verifying their identity.Use door chains, viewers or video doorbells where possible.If in doubt, keep them out and contact the organisation they claim to represent using independently sourced contact details.In Summary: A burglar wants a target that is quick, quiet and low risk. Good locks, visible security measures, lighting, alarms, secure boundaries and vigilant neighbours all increase the effort and risk for an offender and can encourage them to move on elsewhere. | 
