Police advice to secure property during darker winter months

This particularly applies to those who work shifts or as part of the night-time economy, where homes can be left empty overnight or for long periods during darkness hours, and Tayside Division has issued advice on some simple steps which can be taken to help householders take appropriate precautions.

A spokesperson said: “We’d like to remind everyone to take extra care in securing property during the extended hours of darkness.

“Whilst you are away and your house is lying empty, criminals may be active in your area, trying to identify houses which seem like easy targets to steal from. These people will look for houses which have no lights on, or at least no obvious sign of anyone within. These people are very good at picking which houses to target. You can take action to ensure that your house isn't an easy target.”

A house that looks unoccupied is a target for criminals, so keep windows and doors locked; secure sheds and garages; fit/check outside security lighting is working; fit a shed/garage alarm; fit an intruder alarm; record/security mark valuable property, including jewellery; consider additional garage door locks; use timer switches on lights; secure bicycles to a ground anchor; consider leaving a radio or audio device on when out.

Further advice can be found online or by emailing [email protected].