Overstone Parish Council

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Darker Nights - Crime Prevention Advice

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 11:22 by Parish Office

When the longer winter nights arrive, take a fresh look at your home security and remind yourself of how to stay as safe as possible when out and about.

At home

Keep front and back doors locked at all times and keep keys and valuables out of sight and reach from cat flaps, letterboxes, and downstairs doors and windows
If you're out in the evening make sure you leave a light on and draw the curtains. If it's dark before you get home, use timer switches to turn on energy-saving lights
Light up your front door with dusk to dawn lighting – make sure it's visible from the street
Make sure your home is visible from the street by keeping bushes and fences less than one metre high at the front of your property
Don't forget about garages, sheds and outbuildings – make sure they're locked and secure too
Try not to leave your house in silent darkness. Just leaving a radio on could make a potential burglar think twice
Never leave a spare key outside your house, burglars know all the usual hiding spots
Keep bins away from windows when they're not being used as they can be used as a climbing aid for burglars
Consider joining or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Find out more about Neighbourhood Watch in Northamptonshire at www.northantsnhw.co.ukor call the Neighbourhood Watch Chair on 01933 664146 for more information

Out and about More »

Plan ahead before you go out. Know where you're going, how you'll get there, and how you'll get back. Let someone know where you're going, and be prepared for a change of plan
Keep your purse or wallet and keys close and secure. Only take out essential items, and if you can leave valuables at home, do
When you're out, always walk with confidence, and stick to well-lit, busy areas, using the route you know best
Avoid quiet or badly-let alleyways, subways or isolated car parks. Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted
Remain aware of your surroundings – don't walk along texting, making a phone call or listening to music. As well as being distracting, this advertises your valuable to criminals
Trust your instincts – if you don't feel safe then change your route, remembering to stay in well-lit and busy areas. Don't be tempted to take short cuts
Be a good friend and stay safe by sticking together. Always avoid walking alone at night
If you regularly walk home in the dark, get a personal attack alarm – they are widely available and inexpensive
If you regularly jog or cycle, vary your route and times you go out, particularly if you go alone. Try to avoid wooded or remote areas and stick to well-lit roads, or main paths and open spaces. Stay fully alert of your surroundings and don't use headphones

To speak to our crime prevention team about darker nights crime prevention email crimeprevention@northants.pnn.police.uk