Winter is Coming!... and So Are Darker Nights.

Winter is coming!... and so are the darker nights

As autumn turns to winter and the clocks go back, darker evenings become part of everyday life across the West Midlands. While most people are thinking about keeping warm and preparing for the months ahead, the longer hours of darkness can also provide opportunities for criminals.

West Midlands Police is reminding residents, businesses and motorists to take some simple precautions to protect themselves, their homes, vehicles and belongings throughout the darker nights.

Keep your home secure

Burglars can take advantage of homes that appear unoccupied, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening when darkness falls before many people have returned from work, school or other activities.

Make your home look occupied whenever you are out. Using timer switches or smart lighting can help ensure lights come on as darkness falls. Remember to lock doors and windows, including those that may not be immediately visible from the street.

Keep valuables, keys and electronic devices away from windows and letterboxes. Car and house keys should be stored securely and out of sight, but avoid taking them upstairs or hiding them somewhere that could put you at greater risk if an offender enters your home.

Outdoor lighting, CCTV and video doorbells can provide additional security. Gates, garages, sheds and side entrances should also be properly secured.

Protect your vehicle

Vehicle crime remains an important concern during the darker months. Always lock your vehicle, even if you are leaving it unattended for only a short time, and check that windows and doors are secure before walking away.

Never leave bags, shopping, tools, electronic devices or other valuables on display. Where possible, park in a well-lit and secure location.

Owners of keyless vehicles should consider using security measures designed to reduce the risk of relay theft, including storing keys away from external doors and windows in a suitable signal-blocking pouch. Physical security measures such as steering wheel locks can provide another visible layer of protection.

Motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles should be secured with good-quality locks and, where possible, attached to a fixed object in a well-lit location.

Keep sheds, garages and outbuildings secure

Sheds and garages can contain thousands of pounds worth of bicycles, power tools, gardening equipment and other property.

Check locks, hinges, doors and windows and consider installing security lighting or an alarm. Valuable items should be secured inside the building rather than simply left within a locked shed or garage.

Record serial numbers and consider property marking valuable equipment. Having a record of your belongings can help police identify and return recovered property.

Ladders and tools should also be secured so they cannot be used to gain access to your home.

Be aware when you are out

Dark evenings can make people feel more vulnerable when travelling on foot or using public transport.

Plan your journey where possible and stick to well-lit, familiar routes. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid becoming distracted by your mobile phone, particularly when crossing roads or walking in isolated locations.

Keep phones, wallets, jewellery and other valuables secure and avoid unnecessarily displaying expensive items.

If you are using headphones, consider keeping the volume low enough to remain aware of what is happening around you.

If something does not feel right, move towards a busy, well-lit area and seek assistance.

Look out for robbery and theft

Phones and other portable electronic devices can be attractive targets for thieves. Take extra care when using a phone close to roads, cycle lanes or transport hubs and remain aware of people approaching you.

Keep handbags and other belongings closed and secure. When using cash machines, be aware of your surroundings, shield your PIN and put cash away before leaving.

Never put yourself at unnecessary risk to protect property. If confronted by an offender, your personal safety should come first.

Businesses can take precautions too

Shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses may also face additional challenges during darker evenings.

Good lighting around entrances, exits, car parks and delivery areas can help improve safety. CCTV equipment should be maintained and positioned appropriately, while cash-handling procedures should minimise the amount of money kept on the premises.

Staff should know what to do if they witness suspicious behaviour, shop theft, robbery or antisocial behaviour and should never put themselves in unnecessary danger.

Protect parcels and deliveries

The run-up to Christmas can mean an increase in deliveries to homes, creating opportunities for parcel theft.

Where possible, arrange for deliveries to be made when someone is home or use a secure delivery location, parcel locker or trusted neighbour. Avoid leaving parcels visible outside your property for extended periods.

Be cautious of unexpected messages claiming to be from delivery companies, particularly those requesting payment or personal information. Fraudsters can use busy shopping periods to send convincing phishing emails and text messages.

Stay alert to fraud

Crime during the darker months does not only happen on the street.

The approach to Christmas and an increase in online shopping can provide opportunities for fraudsters. Be cautious of deals that appear too good to be true, unfamiliar websites, unexpected payment requests and messages asking you to click links or provide banking details.

Take time to check who you are dealing with before sending money or sharing personal information.

Protect your community

Crime prevention works best when communities look out for one another.

Check on vulnerable or elderly neighbours, particularly if you notice unusual activity around their property. Keep communal entrances secure and do not allow unknown people into apartment buildings or other restricted areas without checking who they are.

Report suspicious behaviour rather than assuming somebody else will do it. Information from residents can help officers identify patterns, target patrols and prevent further offending.

Enjoy the darker nights safely

The arrival of winter does not mean becoming fearful of crime. A few simple changes can make homes, vehicles and belongings less attractive to criminals and help everyone feel safer.

Take a few minutes to review your security before the darker nights set in. Check your locks, lighting, vehicles and outbuildings, and encourage family, friends and neighbours to do the same.

If a crime is taking place or somebody is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergencies, contact West Midlands Police through the appropriate non-emergency reporting channels.

Winter is coming... and so are the darker nights. Stay alert, secure your property and help keep the West Midlands safe.