Seasonal crime prevention advice - Hassocks, Keymer and Clayton Neighbourhood Watch

Homes left unoccupied are more vulnerable in the long dark evenings of winter.  Most of us could make our homes more secure, this need not involve expensive locks and alarms.  See the security and alarm products page for some ideas.

Looks count, so make your home appear occupied at all times.  An unoccupied home is more likely to be targeted by the burglar.  A light and radio placed on a timer switch and a thoughtful neighbour removing a parcel from the step will help make a home appear occupied.  Consider fitting P.I.R. operated lights outside.  The occurrence of dusk time burglaries increase in the longer evenings.

Reaching the parts of the home that cannot be viewed by caring neighbours leaves a weak spot.  Tall, lockable gates, high fences and prickly plants will deter the intruder reaching the rear and sides of the property.  Perimeters to the front, however, should be kept lower to enable good visibility from caring neighbours and police patrols.

Use what you have got to secure your home. Secure windows, paying particular attention to those on the ground floor and those above flat roof areas.  Use those locks and bolts and make sure the keys are out of sight.

More crime prevention advice.

Trust your instincts, if you think it is suspicious let us know, encourage your neighbours to do the same.  Immediate reporting of suspicious incidents has resulted in arrests.  Members of the public have told us about the unfamiliar vehicle cruising your road, the aggressive door-step trader and a stranger approaching the rear of your neighbour's property.  Each one of these incidents have reaped results.  Do not forget, a vehicle number will give us a head start in locating persons of interest to us.

When out after dark it helps to wear light coloured clothing so you can easily be seen by drivers.  Cyclists are reminded to check their reflectors are clean and lights working and used at night.  Watch out for slippery roads caused by by frost, particularly in the early mornings and evenings.  Always secure your bike with a good quality lock.

The Operation Twilight leaflet can be download below:
Download Leaflet (185KB)
Downloading and Printing info here.