Burglar proof your home this autumn

Autumn is well and truly here and the clocks will be going back at the end of the month, meaning the afternoons will grow darker and opportunities for criminals will increase.

The number of residential burglaries across the county is currently around the same as during this period last year*, however during October burglaries have been increasing especially in Dacorum, North Herts and East Herts.

During the autumn and winter months burglaries do tend to increase as many homes are left unlit during the dark afternoons, which can alert burglars to properties that are empty.

Over the next few months Hertfordshire Constabulary will be sharing home security advice with residents. Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be holding crime prevention events across the county this autumn, offering free security devices, as well as tips on keeping homes and valuables safe. Keep an eye on your local team’s social media pages for event details, visit the Herts Police Linktree to find our accounts.

Residents are also being advised to install affordable security devices, such as security lights and wi-fi-enabled doorbell and interior cameras, fitted with motion sensors. These kinds of devices can be easily installed at minimal expense and have helped to deter burglaries and in some cases led to offenders being arrested.

Detective Chief Inspector Luke Whinnett, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Local Policing Command, said: “Burglary rates have remained fairly static since the spring, however, we are starting to see an increase in some areas and once the clocks go back this trend is likely to continue. Burglary is a priority for us and we will always attend if your home is burgled to provide support and conduct a thorough investigation with forensic specialists. 

“Making sure your home appears occupied is the best way to deter burglars. This can easily be achieved by using a timer to switch on a light when it gets dark. Securing windows and double-locking PVCu doors, by lifting the handle and turning the key to engage all the safety features, are also easy ways make sure your home is secure.”

Residents can make their homes more secure by following some basic crime prevention advice such as:

• Lock all doors and windows and ensure any PVCu doors are locked properly by lifting the handle and using the key to double-lock them.
• Consider installing a doorbell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm.
• Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and use timer switches or wi-fi plugs/systems in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV. 
• Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight.
• Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked. Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed.
• Secure bins at night and put garden furniture away for the winter as these can be used by burglars as climbing aids to gain access to upper floor windows.
• Ensure your vehicle is locked and remove all valuables as burglars often check to see if doors are left unlocked.
• Look out for your neighbours especially if they are vulnerable, by reporting any suspicious activity you notice in your area.

For more advice visit our crime prevention pages.

Join our new community messaging platform Herts Connected where you will receive free local police messages. You can also choose to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch, Action Fraud and the Police and Crime Commissioner if that’s what you select when you sign up. 

You can report suspicious activity in your area or information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.