Surrey Police launch campaign to raise awareness about seasonal spike in residential criminality

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The clocks have gone back, the evenings are drawing in with each day.

For those who love autumn, it is the season of cosy nights, hot drinks and woolly jumpers.

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But for opportunist criminals, autumn is the season of increased burglaries, owing to the darker nights.

As we enter this period, Surrey Police is launching its #DontFallVictim burglary campaign, to raise awareness about this seasonal spike in residential criminality, share prevention advice and tips for members of the public and highlight any localised alerts.

Surrey Police is launching its #DontFallVictim burglary campaign, to raise awareness about this seasonal spike in residential criminality, share prevention advice and tips for members of the public and highlight any localised alerts. Picture contributedSurrey Police is launching its #DontFallVictim burglary campaign, to raise awareness about this seasonal spike in residential criminality, share prevention advice and tips for members of the public and highlight any localised alerts. Picture contributed
Surrey Police is launching its #DontFallVictim burglary campaign, to raise awareness about this seasonal spike in residential criminality, share prevention advice and tips for members of the public and highlight any localised alerts. Picture contributed

Halloween and Bonfire Night often see homes left vacant for periods of time as autumnal activities are enjoyed by all ages.

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Half-terms offer an excuse for families to get away, but also an excuse for burglars to prowl the dark streets looking for a quick win.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Hicks, Surrey Police’s lead for burglary, said: “People deserve to feel safe in their homes and the burglary of a property destroys this sense of safety.

“We are asking people to consider their home security and if there is anything they can do to improve their home’s safety this autumn and winter.

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“With some additional considerations and small changes in habit, properties can be better secured to keep opportunist burglars at bay and prevent criminal activity.” 

During the campaign, Surrey Police are sharing these key messages: 

  • Even if you’re popping out for a short while, ensure all windows and doors are locked and secure. If you don’t and you get burgled, your home insurance could be invalidated because you left your home insecure. 
  • Keep any valuables out of sight of windows and car keys safely stored away from letterboxes and windows. Use a Faraday bag for car keys if your vehicle is keyless.
  • Consider leaving a couple of small lights on when you go out in the evenings, or on a timer.
  • Autumn gives us many reasons to be out and about doing seasonal activities, or going away during the half-term, but how much do you share online? Think about how public your profile is before posting your holiday or Halloween highlights when you’re away from home.
  • It’s that time of year, when weekends may include clearing leaves from driveways and gutters, but always remember to shut away ladders and tools – don’t leave them in sight and accessible for any opportunist burglars.
  • Good neighbours are worth their weight in gold. If you like and trust your neighbour, ask them to keep an eye on your home when you’re out, and take in parcel deliveries so they don’t sit vulnerable on your doorstep, providing a visual clue that you are away.
  • As we head into the colder months, ensure your back gardens are secure. Consider solid, high garden gates with locks and additional fencing and planting, as there will be less privacy from trees now the leaves are falling. 
  • Even the smallest pieces of information can build a bigger intelligence picture of offenders for the police. Investing in CCTV or a doorbell camera is always worthwhile. Any footage or images showing suspicious behaviour can be submitted for review via the suspicious activity portal.