Coin Press - Police urge home-security checks as darker evenings return

Police are advising residents to review locks, lighting and routines as the clocks go back and longer hours of darkness increase opportunities for burglary.

Officers say burglars can use the cover of darkness to spot open windows, valuables visible through curtains or blinds, and properties that appear to be unoccupied.

Residents are being encouraged to make sure their homes are secure, particularly during the autumn and winter months.

Police advise householders to make their properties look occupied when they are out, including using lights to deter opportunist burglars.

Doors and windows should always be locked, even when people are at home, while porches and side entrances should also be secured.

Officers are reminding residents not to leave house or vehicle keys near doors or windows, where they could be seen or reached by criminals.

Car owners are advised to consider using signal-blocking pouches for keyless entry fobs, as well as steering wheel locks to provide additional protection against vehicle theft.

Police have also highlighted the importance of checking home security equipment, including making sure CCTV systems, burglar alarms and video doorbells are working properly.

Householders with UPVC doors are encouraged to check whether their locks are resistant to snapping, a technique used by some burglars to gain entry.

Police recommend locks meeting recognised security standards, including SS312 Diamond Approved cylinders or TS007 three-star-rated protection.

Residents going away for several days are advised to cancel regular deliveries, including newspapers and milk, and ask a trusted neighbour or friend to keep an eye on their property.

Neighbours can also help by making sure post is pushed fully through letterboxes and checking that garden gates are properly closed.

Officers say taking simple precautions and looking out for neighbours can help reduce opportunities for criminals as the evenings become darker.

Further home security advice is available on the West Midlands Police website under its Darker Nights crime prevention campaign.

TOP 10 TIPS TO KEEP BURGLARS AT BAY THIS WINTER

Lock up, even when you’re home. Always lock doors and windows, including when you’re in the garden or going out for just a few minutes. Remember to double-lock UPVC doors.

Make your home look occupied. Use timer switches or smart bulbs to turn lights on during the evening when you’re out. A house left in darkness can signal that nobody is home.

Keep keys out of sight. Never leave house or car keys near windows, doors or letterboxes. Thieves can use tools to hook keys through letterboxes. Keep keyless car fobs in a tested signal-blocking pouch.

Light up your property. Install outdoor security lighting, particularly near entrances, driveways and darker areas around your home. Motion-activated or dusk-to-dawn lighting can make intruders more visible.

Don’t advertise your valuables. Keep laptops, jewellery, handbags and other expensive belongings away from windows. Avoid leaving packaging from expensive purchases outside your home.

Secure sheds, garages and garden gates. Burglars may target outbuildings for valuable equipment or tools they can use to break into your home. Lock away ladders, garden tools and anything that could help someone gain entry.

Check your locks. Make sure external doors have suitable security-rated locks. Police recommend considering anti-snap protection for vulnerable cylinder locks, particularly on UPVC doors.

Use alarms and cameras. A working burglar alarm, CCTV system or video doorbell can provide an additional layer of security. Check batteries, camera coverage and recording functions regularly.

Don’t announce holidays online. Avoid publicly posting that you’re away from home. Cancel regular deliveries and ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property, particularly if you’re going away for several days.

Look out for your neighbours. Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme if one operates in your area. Keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours and report suspicious activity to police. Call 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger.

M.P.Jacobs--CPN