Winter Burglary Advice

The Barnet Borough Police offer this Winter burglary advice:

LIGHTING
Make it look like you are in when you are out by using a timer switch on lights fitted with energy saving bulbs and on a radio but remember to change the timer switch as the evenings get darker earlier. Also think about exterior dusk to dawn lighting.

TRIM HEDGES AND TREES
Make sure these are trimmed back from windows and are about 3 feet high so that burglars can't hide behind them and they don't block any lighting you may have. Consider planting some prickly plants such as Pyracantha (Firethorn) around the perimeter.

FENCES, SHEDS AND GATES
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition and that gates can be secured properly. Put several good locks/padlocks on shed doors and check the windows too. Think about putting trellis over the top of fences and gates.

LADDERS AND TOOLS
Never leave tools or ladders out, always lock them away in a properly secured shed or garage as they could be used by burglars to break into your home.

FIT LOCKS
Fit good quality deadlocks to outside doors and ensure you have locks on ground floor windows and patio doors - never leave the keys in the locks or on the window sill but make sure everyone in the house knows where they are so that they can get out in the event of a fire.

VALUABLE ITEMS ON VIEW
Ensure all valuable items (laptops, digital cameras, car keys, jewellery etc) are kept out of view and not left by the doors or windows especially if they can be seen through the letter box or by looking in the window. Think about keeping spare car keys in a secure location as expensive cars can be targeted.

GOLD JEWELLERY
If you keep large amounts of gold jewellery in the house think about getting a safe and locking it away or keeping it in the bank especially if it is only worn on special occasions.

WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS
These are not being used enough and burglars are taking advantage - close and lock all doors and windows even if you are just popping out for a few minutes. Also get into the habit of checking them before you go to bed but make sure everyone in the house knows where the keys are kept.

CURTAINS AND BLINDS
Please close these as soon as it starts getting dark outside - if there is a light on indoors but its dark outside this provides the ideal conditions for burglars to "window shop" and make a note of anything worth taking at a later date.

SECURITY MARKING
Think about registering your valuable items such as phones, laptops & TV's etc. at www.immobilise.com this company also provide property marking micro dots.

WHEELY BINS
When not in use please chain these up together so that they can't be used to climb over fences or to take items away in. Get together with your neighbours and bring each others bins in if they have been left out after collection as this is a sure way to tell if you are in or out or if you are away.

CHRISTMAS
Never leave presents on show even if they are wrapped and under the tree. After Christmas or when buying new items please don't just put the boxes out as they are for recycling, break them up and put them in the bins otherwise everyone knows you have a new laptop or 40inch flat screen TV. Keep a record of any serial numbers of electrical items and record them on www.immobilise.com also keep your receipts for these items in a safe place. Please get someone you trust (e.g. a family member) to come and pick up your post if you are away and remember to cancel the papers and milk delivery etc.