Keep burglars away
The darker months are a good time to make sure you know how to keep yourself and your property safe.
Keep burglars away
While you’re out, make sure your home is not a target for burglars. You should:
- lock all doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes
- keep bags, keys and valuables out of sight and away from windows, letterboxes and cat flaps – thieves can hook them through small openings
- get parcels delivered to a collection point or ask a neighbour to take them in - do not leave a note with instructions for where to leave them
- get rid of packaging from expensive items discreetly – break down large cardboard boxes and put them in your blue top bin
- consider installing a video doorbell or a CCTV camera - if you’re a private or council tenant or leaseholder you’ll need to ask permission first
- make sure you have a lock and an alarm on your shed or outside storage and avoid storing tools inside – thieves can use them to break into your property
- be mindful of where your Christmas tree is and try to avoid it being visible from a window – do not make it easy for thieves to see wrapped gifts
- be careful about using social media to tell people where you are - you never know who’s watching