Dear Watch Member,
Autumn is here, winter is coming, the clocks will soon go back, and with it all comes increasingly longer hours of darkness.
Darkness that burglars and car thieves will use to their advantage.
And with Navratri, Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations over the coming weeks, it is possible there could be an increase in burglary offences.
Therefore it’s important to leave your home and its valuable contents secure whenever it’s unoccupied.
Here’s what we recommend you do before you go out:
- close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes
- double-lock all doors
- make sure that any valuables are out of sight
- in the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on
- if you’re not home by sunset, it’s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn on lights and a radio during the dark evenings
- set your burglar alarm
- make sure the side gate is locked
- lock your shed or garage
- secure currency and jewellery inside a discreetly hidden safe anchored to the floor.
Car thieves will target keyless entry vehicles overnight when cars are on the driveway and keys are in the house.
That’s why it’s important to take the following car theft prevention measures:
- when at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
- put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Pouch, and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.
- turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.
- apply a steering-wheel lock
- install a driveway bollard
- install an Immobiliser that prevents a vehicle from starting unless the correct fob, key or activation process is used. They can be personalised so that you’re the only one who knows how to unset it via a number of dashboard controls.
For further crime prevention advice please click here.
If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]
Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]