26th October at 2am – Clocks go back an hour
In light of this Essex Police have offered the following advisory note:
On the 26th October at 02:00 the clocks will be going back and the darker evenings will be drawing in, check your outdoor security lights and replace those bulbs that have blown. It’s time to think about the burglar out there and not leaving them ‘tell-tale’ signs that your home is empty and vulnerable.
The art of illusion is to try and make it look as though your home is occupied even though you are not there. Provide that first impression to the ‘would be’ burglar that this house is occupied, it looks too difficult to get into and that if they do try there is a good chance they will get caught!
Lighting – if your house is overlooked and there is the chance of burglars being seen they will prefer to go elsewhere, so get some decent lighting on your house. Dusk till dawn activated lighting on the front and rear with energy saving bulbs, not only deters the burglar but you can see who is at your door or around your home and also when you return home you have a welcoming light.
Is there clear unobstructed access to the rear? Burglars will prefer to gain access out of sight at the rear. Where possible fence and gate access to rear gardens (ensure that the gate situated at the front of the house and is securely locked), top this with some trellis or plastic spiky toppings (the spiky topping requires a warning notice).
How about some defensive planting, what’s this you ask? something like Berberus, Pyracantha or Hawthorn around perimeter fencing or anything else you wish to protect i.e. domestic fuel tank (some garden centres sell more established plants).
The illusion – Try to make your home look similar to when you are there – a radio on a talking programme, table lamps inside on timers (don’t use energy saving bulbs with digital timers it shortens the life of the bulb) or use a ‘dusk till dawn’ sensor (bulbs are now available with a built in sensor), it all helps.
