Winter Nights

Winter Nights

Following recent reports of attempted burglaries in the area we would like to share some information about keeping your properties secure.

In the winter months, during the dark nights, empty houses left in darkness are easy targets for opportunist thieves.

As part of Durham Constabulary’s Winter Nights campaign, people are being urged to take simple steps to secure their homes to help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime.

Follow these tips to keep your home safe this winter:

Lock all windows and doors – even if you’re at home.

A well-lit home gives the impression someone is in, also leave a TV or Radio on.

Leave a light on or use timer switches so lights come on when it gets dark.

Don’t leave valuables on show.

Don’t leave your house and vehicle keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window, making it easy for a thief to fish them through your letterbox.

Don’t leave curtains closed during the day, only in the evening and overnight.

If you have a house alarm, use it.

Consider installing CCTV.

Property marking your items is advisable and some tools can be painted with your name or postcode. Forensic marking is also an option.

Register your items for FREE at www.immobilise.com it only takes a couple of minutes and once you have registered you will have a better chance of getting your property back if it’s lost or stolen (you can also register electronics such a laptops, tablets and mobile phones).

If you see anything suspicious in your area report it, as soon as you see it, either by 999 in an emergency or 101 non-emergency.

Further tips and suggestions can be found on our website:

https://www.durham.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/

Your local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out additional patrols in the area.

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Message Sent By
Kirsty Lawrence
(Police, PCSO, Framwellgate Moor - Durham NPT2)