The clocks go back at the weekend and it won’t be long until the evenings really start to draw in. If there are no lights on, the curtains are not drawn, and no car is on the drive, then it’s an obvious sign to an opportunist criminal that no-one is home.

Force Crime Prevention Officer Mike Radcliffe said, “With crime rates being at a 30 year low there is an inherent risk that we become complacent regarding the need for security. However, I would like to remind householders that they should still periodically review their home security measures. Think of it as a seasonal security ‘health check’. You could start by giving your garden an ‘autumn clean’ this weekend – whilst it hasn’t been a particularly good summer the average house will still have various items left in and around the garden.
 
Experience shows that most burglars are opportunists. Don’t help them by leaving garden implements or ladders or lying around – items which in a ‘worst case scenario’ could be used to break into your home. 
 
• Make sure that you put all garden implements and tools away – ideally in a garage or shed if you have one.
o    Put extension ladders away or chain them up so that they can’t be taken.
o    Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t leave items such as lawn mowers or children’s bicycles lying around – otherwise they may disappear!

• Give your house’s door and window locks the ‘once over’. Do they work properly?
o    If they are old or faulty then now’s the time to get them changed.
o    Locks are there for a reason - remember to use them. Always make sure that you lock your house when you go out.
o    If you have a UPVC door make sure you have double locked it properly.
o    Never leave a spare key ‘hidden’ in the garden.
o    Don’t leave windows open for pets to get in.

• Keep garage and shed doors locked when not in use.
o    If your garage has a door leading into the house then treat it like an exterior door - fit it with a good quality British Standard (BS 3621) lock.

• Do you have outside security lights? Are you sure that they still work properly?
o    You could consider fitting photo-electric ‘dusk-til-dawn’ sensors so that you don’t have to remember to switch them on and off.
 
Experience shows that this is also the time of the year when we tend to see an increase in reports of heating oil theft. I would therefore remind householders and businesses alike that they should periodically check the security of their heating oil tanks. Again, these criminals are opportunists - don’t help them by failing to take some basic precautions. Things to consider:
•         Can the tank filler tap be secured? Is it fitted with a suitable padlock?
o    Bear in mind that you will need to allow your fuel supplier access to the tank as and when they make deliveries.

•         Do you have security lighting in the area of the oil tank?

•         Have you considered using hostile planting (e.g. thorny bushes) to deter potential offenders from trying to access the tank?

•         Is the tank alarmed?
o    Remote electronic oil level gauges are now available which will set off an audible alarm as and when the oil level suddenly drops or falls below a pre-determined level.
 
Domestic sites
 
•         Do you have gates fitted to prevent unauthorised access to your rear garden?
o    Do they have locks fitted? A locked gate can make it harder for a thief to gain access to the tank.

•         Again, don’t leave garden tools lying around as these could be used to aid the criminal.

•         Are you a member of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme?
o    If not, you could consider establishing one in your area. NHW has been shown to deter criminals. Contact your local police station for further information.
 
Commercial Sites
 
•         Is the tank caged or enclosed to prevent easy access?

•         Is it located within a secure compound?
o    Is the compound kept locked overnight?

o    Are there any weak areas along the site boundary where an intruder could gain access?

•         If you have a CCTV system installed to protect your site - have you considered extending the camera coverage to monitor the area of the tank?
 
We all have a part to play in helping to reduce opportunist crime. If you witness any suspicious activity in or around domestic or commercial properties - day or night - please ring the police as and when it is happening. Remember, if it turns out to be a crime ‘in progress’ then any hesitation or delay in contacting us makes it highly likely that the offender will get away.”