Make your Home Secure this Autumn

Living Magazines Make your home secure

Autumn is here and the clocks will be going back at the end of the month, meaning darker afternoons and increasing opportunities for criminals.

Burglaries are currently down around 30 per cent, compared to the same period last year, however during the autumn and winter months burglaries do tend to increase. Homes that are left unlit during the dark afternoons act as a signal to burglars that a property is empty, so residents are being urged to follow home security advice in the months leading up to Christmas.

Local Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be holding crime prevention events across the county this autumn, offering tips on keeping homes and valuables safe. 

Residents are also being advised to consider installing some of the affordable security devices which are currently available. There’s a variety of inexpensive security lights and wi-fi-enabled doorbell and interior cameras, fitted with motion sensors, which enable you to monitor your home remotely using your phone. These kinds of devices can be easily installed at minimal expense and have helped to deter burglaries and in some cases led to offenders being arrested.

Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd, said: ‘Burglary is one of those crimes which is relatively low in Hertfordshire. But when it does occur it causes a great deal of distress for the victims and spreads fear of crime in communities. I have worked closely with the constabulary to ensure that every reported burglary is responded to, and that the investigation of them remains a high priority.

‘By following this simple advice, you can reduce the likelihood of being targeted. Please also keep an eye out on behalf of your neighbours and report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.’

Inspector Nicki Dean from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Unit said: ‘Burglaries have been decreasing over the last couple of years in Hertfordshire, but there always seems to be an increase once the clocks go back.

‘Making sure your home appears occupied is the best way to deter burglars, by using a light when it gets dark. Securing windows and double-locking PVCu doors, by lifting the handle and turning the key to engage all the safety features, are also easy ways to secure your home. We would also advise residents to install some of the affordable security devices which are currently available, like doorbell cameras and wi-fi plugs. These kinds of devices are easy to install and are getting cheaper.’

Residents can make their homes more secure by following some basic crime prevention advice such as:

  • Lock all doors and windows and ensure any PVCu doors are locked properly by lifting the handle and using the key to double-lock them
  • Consider installing a door bell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm
  • Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and use timer switches or wi-fi plugs/systems in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV
  • Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight
  • Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked. Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed
  • Secure bins at night and put garden furniture away for the winter as these can be used by burglars as climbing aids to gain access to upper floor windows
  • Ensure your vehicle is locked and remove all valuables as burglars often check to see if doors are left unlocked
  • Join Hertfordshire’s Neighbourhood Watch for alerts and advice: www.owl.co.uk
  • Visit www.owlprotect.uk for discounts on security products

For more crime prevention advice visit www.herts.police.uk/protectyourhome and www.hertscitizensacademy.org.

You can report suspicious activity in your area or information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.