During the darker months of winter it is important to think about the security of your home, particularly in the lead up to Christmas. It is obviously important to have good quality locks on all doors and vulnerable windows but most people can reduce their risks of suffering a burglary further by taking a few simple measures. Listed below are some tips from the local Police Crime Prevention Officers to help you stay safe and free from crime.

" Lock all doors and windows when you go out and at night.
" Draw your curtains after dark.
" If you do not get home until after dusk then use timer switches to make it look like someone is in (they are cheap and can be bought from good DIY stores etc).
" If you have a house alarm, set it overnight to cover downstairs.
X Never leave wrapped presents where they can be seen from outside your home.
X Don't leave door or car keys in sight of windows or where they could be hooked through a letterbox or cat flap.
X Never leave expensive presents, alcohol or food in sheds or garages unless they are adequately secured.

Multi-Locking Point Doors

It is important that people with multi-locking point doors always secure the door fully at night and when the home is unoccupied, by lifting the handle and turning the key. People should not be lulled into the false sense of security by thinking that by simply shutting the door or lifting the handle without turning the key, the door is locked. Lifting the handle engages the locking points but does not actually lock the door, as only a key can do this.

It is imperative that you should also consider fire safety, so it is recommended that when locking the door, you remove the key but leave it easily accessible if the need arises. Remember - don't leave the key within sight of the door or window or where it could be hooked out through the letterbox.

Owners of High Value Vehicles

As the security of newer vehicles has improved over the last few years, criminals now find it harder to steal them without using the keys. Due to this some vehicle thieves now break into homes (particularly at night) to take the keys to vehicles, before stealing them from outside.

Due to this, Havering Police Crime Prevention Officers now recommend that the owners of high value and other desirable vehicles install a good quality intruder alarm system to their homes and set it when the home is unoccupied and to cover the ground floor at night.

For advice leaflet on buying an intruder alarm please Havering Police Crime Prevention Office on the number shown below.

Homesafe Scheme

The Havering Homesafe scheme offers Havering residents over the age of 60 the opportunity to have a representative of Help The Aged call on them and check the security of their home. If it is felt that any new locks are required on doors or windows etc then in most cases these can be fitted free of charge. If you would like to take part in the scheme then please contact Help The Aged on 01255 473 999.

For free booklets on home, garden or vehicle security ring the Havering Police Crime Prevention Office on 01708 779 400. Alternatively, advice is available on the Metropolitan Police Website via www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention .

Crime prevention advice is given freely, without the intention of creating a contract. Neither does the Metropolitan Police Service take any legal responsibility for the advice given.