Mylander - Issue 84

From inside the community Essex Police As the Covid-19 restrictions are eased and we cautiously emerge from the security of our homes, whilst not wishing to alarm, we do need to remember to secure our property once again. Whether we are just going to the shops, going out for the day or perhaps taking that well-deserved break, make sure your home is secure and it looks like you are still there. Top tips to secure your home • Ensure that windows, doors, outbuildings and gates are closed and locked correctly; making sure all tools are put away too. Remember with PVCu and similar doors – when locking, lift the handle, turn and remove the key. If you have a night latch and a mortice lock, ensure that you lock both , not just the night latch. • Do not leave keys outside in a ‘safe place’ - the thief will find them, no matter how well you think they are hidden. • Create the illusion of occupancy: A radio on, a chair that looks like you have just got up, book or magazine open with a pair of spectacles and a mug next to it, a vacuum cleaner with the lead trailing out of sight (not plugged in), the usual signs of habitation and don’t leave it too tidy. • Consider a doorbell that you can answer remotely on your smartphone. With a lot of these you can add further CCTV cameras that you listen and speak through too. • Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it gets dark, also consider a “Fake TV” unit discretely hidden from view. • If you have an intruder alarm, make sure that you set it before leaving and ensure that your neighbours know who the keyholders are. • Keys to other cars; put them away and in a “faraday bag” if you have a key- less car. If you are away for a longer period: • Curtains open or curtains closed? The worse thing is half-open, half- closed; day or night the thief will know you are out. I go by the principle that some people do not close all curtains at night but most are open during the day, especially in those “lived in” rooms. So as long as you have evidence visible that looks like you are in the house somewhere then it makes sense to leave them open. 26