Darker Evenings – A Few Simple Home Security Tips

Darker Evenings – A Few Simple Home Security Tips

Good afternoon, Resident

As the evenings start getting darker earlier, we wanted to share a few friendly reminders about keeping your home and belongings secure.

Your local Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to regularly patrol our communities, including during the darker evenings. When we are out on patrol, we can often notice properties that appear to be unoccupied, for example homes left in darkness with no obvious signs that anyone is in.

If we can notice that a property looks unoccupied, unfortunately someone looking for an opportunity to commit crime may notice it too.

Taking a few simple precautions can therefore help make your home less attractive to a potential burglar.

Make your home look occupied – if you’re going to be out when it gets dark, consider leaving a light on or using timer switches.

Lock doors and windows – even when you’re at home and take a moment to check everything is secure before going to bed or heading out.

Keep the outside of your property well lit – appropriate external lighting can improve visibility around entrances and other areas of your home.

Keep keys and valuables out of sight – particularly away from doors, windows, and letterboxes.

Remember your vehicle – make sure it is locked and avoid leaving valuables on display, even when parked outside your home.

Don’t forget sheds and garages – make sure they are secure and that bikes, tools, and other valuable items are safely stored.

Look out for your neighbours – particularly elderly or vulnerable residents. A strong community where neighbours look out for one another can make a real difference. House alarms are only useful if they are reported when they are going off.

There is no need to be alarmed. These are simply good habits that are worth remembering as we head into the darker months. We’ll continue to be out and about on patrol, so if you see us, please feel free to stop and say hello.

Stay safe and take care,

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Message Sent By
Matt Bennett
(Hertfordshire Constabulary, PCSO, St Albans - Central, North & West)