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Hello Resident, Winter brings longer nights, darker evenings and increased opportunities for burglars. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of your home becoming a target and help keep your family and property safe. 🏠 Secure Your Home
Lock all doors and windows, even when you're at home.
Use door and window locks that meet recognised security standards.
Consider fitting a deadlock, door chain or door viewer for additional security.
Ensure garages, sheds and outbuildings are locked when not in use. 💡 Make Your Home Look Occupied
Use timer switches on lights during darker evenings.
Leave a radio or television on if you're out for a short period.
Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property when you're away.
Avoid advertising that your home is empty. 🎄 Take Care During the Festive Season
Keep presents, valuable gifts and packaging out of sight from windows.
Do not leave handbags, wallets, keys or electronic devices near doors or windows.
Dispose of expensive item packaging discreetly rather than leaving it on display outside your property.
Be mindful when sharing holiday plans on social media. 🔑 Protect Keys and Valuables
Keep keys away from doors, windows and letterboxes.
Avoid hiding spare keys outside your property.
Store valuable items out of sight where possible.
Consider marking valuables with a forensic marking or property registration scheme. 📹 Improve Security Around Your Property
Install security lighting around entrances and vulnerable areas.
Consider CCTV or video doorbells to deter offenders and capture evidence.
Keep hedges and fences maintained to improve visibility around your property.
Ensure communal entrance doors are not left open or unsecured. 👀 Be Alert to Suspicious Activity
Take note of unfamiliar individuals acting suspiciously around homes.
Be cautious of callers claiming to be from utility companies or other organisations.
Report suspicious vehicles or behaviour in your neighbourhood.
Look out for vulnerable neighbours, particularly older residents. 📞 Reporting Burglary and Suspicious Behaviour
Report suspicious activity as soon as possible.
Provide descriptions, locations, times and any vehicle details where safe to do so.
Information from the community can help identify offenders and prevent further crimes.
Always preserve evidence and avoid touching anything if a burglary has occurred. 🚔 When to Contact Police
📞 If a burglary is in progress or you believe someone is inside your property, call 999 immediately.
If you discover a burglary after it has happened, report it to police as soon as possible.
For non-emergency reports or suspicious circumstances, contact 101 or report online via the Metropolitan Police website.
Never confront suspected burglars yourself. 📊 Your feedback helps shape our work. Take part in the Local Matters Survey and tell us which crime issues are most important to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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