Darker Nights & Festive Season

Darker Nights & Festive Season

Seasonal Crime Prevention Guide (Darker Nights & Festive Season)

​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.

​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.

​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.

​4. 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.

​5. 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, always dial 999. For non-emergencies or to report suspicious activity, call 101 or report it via your local police force's website.