The local police newsletter dated Nov./Dec. 2013 states:-

There are a number of steps you can take to make your home less likely to be targeted by burglars during this festive season.

Our advice includes:

– keep your gifts out of sight until as close to Christmas as possible

– record the frame numbers of new bicycles and serial numbers of computer equipment and other electrical goods for future reference; if you hide or store larger items such as bicycles in your shed or garage, make sure they are locked away securely

– check your home insurance to make sure you are covered for your family’s gifts to each other: some of these may be expensive items

– remember empty packaging and boxes left outside your home for rubbish collection after Christmas are an immediate giveaway that you have new goods inside. So dispose of packaging carefully

– if you go away for the holiday period ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home.

Here are some other crime prevention tips during the dark winter evenings:

– install timers to switch on lights and radios while you are out. They are easy to use and available from all good hardware shops and stores

– lock your front and rear doors and windows when you leave

– leave your front door and vehicle keys in a secure place out of sight and out of reach of your front door to prevent a potential burglar ‘fishing’ for the key through the letterbox.

London Borough of Sutton, Carshalton Central Team

Tel: 020 8721 2898

Email: carshaltoncentral.snt@met.police.uk

Web: http://content.met.police.uk/Borough/Sutton