Advice from Thames Valley Police
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.
For residents of Cherwell call: 01993 893917 or visit www.ourwatch.org.uk
For updates on incidents happening in your area please join
www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk
Please take this opportunity to review your own home security. If you have access to the internet additional information is available from www.thamesvalley.police.uk. If you require further specific free advice please contact your local Neighbourhood Team on 101.
Out and about
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 valuables 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
Rural Crime Reporting Line.
Farmers, rural businesses and the public can anonymously give information about rural crime by ringing 0800 783 0137 or by visiting www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk
