Advice for the public
- When you’re away make your home look like someone is living in it. Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it becomes dark. Some timers have a built-in random programme to prevent lights coming on at the same time every day.
- Remember to cancel any regular deliveries.
- Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home.
- Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that cover windows and doors or places where people could hide.
- Uncollected mail is a sign that you are away. Ask a neighbour or friend to collect it for you or consider using the Royal Mail Keepsafe service.
- If possible store valuable documents or items in a safe.
- If you normally leave valuable bicycles or similar in your shed, consider putting them in the house and secure them with two locks.
- Make sure that you’ve locked all windows and doors, and if you have an alarm, use it.
- Make sure valuable items such as laptops, games consoles, etc, are not on view from outside.
- Property mark belongings with your house number and postcode, keep a list of any makes, models and serial numbers. Take photos of jewellery. Register your items for free at www.immobilise.com. Using this service will assist the police in returning property to the rightful owner should it be stolen.
- Make sure that you have up-to-date building and contents insurance and check for any specific requirements relating to security.
- Lock tools, ladders, etc, away so that they cannot be used to gain entry to your home.
- Be mindful of what you write on social media which could identify you as being away on holiday.
Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye out.
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