MILL CROFT Neighbourhood Watch.

Leave a light on

A dark, empty house may be an attractive target for a burglar. Ten top tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

The darker evenings will soon be here again, and so will the twilight burglars! Prepare yourself and your home for late afternoon darkness. Your routine may be to leave home in the morning, and not arrive back until the early evening; however, a house in complete darkness at tea time stands out like a sore thumb to a potential burglar.
Here are our ten top tips to help reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of crime during the dark nights.

One
Create the impression that someone is at home by leaving a light on inside your home.

Two
Consider using a timer switch to switch on lights, a radio or TV.  If you are going out for the evening

Three 
Consider exterior lighting. Fit a low wattage lamp with a dusk to dawn sensor to an outside wall in an appropriate place.

Four 
Never leave valuables on show, either in your home or in your car.

Five
Lock your doors and windows.

Six 
Don't forget that many burglaries are committed through a rear door or window, so 'beef up' security at the back using additional good quality window and door locks.

Seven 
Make it difficult for thieves to enter your back garden. That is the most vulnerable area of your plot.  Use highfencing or prickly bushes to keep potential burglars out.
 
Eight 
Secure the gate that leads round to your back garden.

Nine 
A visible alarm will make intruders think twice. Consider a system for your home and for the car, particularly if it is left parked outside overnight. If you have an alarm, make sure it's regularly serviced. 

Ten
Sheds and garages are often neglected when it comes to security. Use strong padlocks, and if possible fasten ladders and expensive items down in the garage. You may be able to connect an alarm into the house from the garage.