Every year, when the clocks go back and it gets dark by five, break in numbers rise across the UK. It is not a coincidence. Dark evenings give cover, and empty looking houses look emptier.
Why winter is worse
People are still at work when it gets dark. A house with no lights on at 5pm looks unoccupied. From the pavement, it is easy to tell nobody is home. That is all an opportunist needs.
Simple things that help a lot
Put a lamp on a timer so it comes on before dusk. It costs a few pounds and it changes how your house looks from the street.
Keep the front of the house tidy. An overflowing bin, a leaflet stuck in the letterbox, uncleared leaves piled up, they all say nobody has been out today.
Fit a motion sensor light above the back door if you have not already. Backs of houses are where most doors get forced.
Watch the Christmas box giveaway
Big new TV, new games console, new bike. Great presents. But the empty boxes stacked outside the recycling bin tell the world exactly what is now inside your house. Break them down and put them in the bin, or take them to the tip.
Plan for holidays away
Christmas and February half term are busy times for break ins. If you are going away, ask a neighbour to bring the post in, and put a light or two on timers. Small effort, big difference.
Get some proper eyes on the street
Winter is the time when a visible patrol earns its money. A marked car with a real officer, rolling past your road at random hours through the dark evenings, is exactly what an opportunist does not want to see. That is what we do.
Want a visible patrol on your street?
Phoenix Patrol is just £10 a month, that is £2.50 a week. SIA licensed officers, marked vehicles, no contract, cancel any time.
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