When you go away - extra things to check

Even during the hectic time just before you go away there are a few simple checks that could save you from returning to a house that has been burgled.

1. Ensure you cancel your papers. However, try and pick a time the newsagents will be quiet and don't make a big deal out of going away. A criminal could use this information to their advantage.

2. Ensure you have cancelled the milk. Milk bottles not taken in are a sure sign the occupant is away.

3. Ask a neighbour to take any free papers left sticking out the letter box. As with the milk, free papers piling up is a tell tale sign the occupant is on holiday.

4. Ask a neighbour or friend to hold your spare key. Don't put your name or address on this key and ask the holder not to.

5. If your neighbour has more than one car suggest they use your drive whilst you're away. Again this creates the illusion that the house is occupied.

6. Don't leave your curtains closed whilst you're away. This only makes the house look deserted. If you have good neighbours then you could ask them to come in and close the curtains at night and open them again in the morning.

7. Again if you have good neighbours ask them to hang their washing on your line once in a while. This will once more create the feeling of a busy house.

8. Ensure that the Police or Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator have the details of the key holder whilst you're away.

9. Cut all your lawns before you go away.

10. Don't have your name and address on the outside of your luggage on the outward journey. Have these details on the inside of the case.

11. Just before you leave it's worth a quiet few minutes on the door step to ensure you have locked everything , got everything and taken all the steps you can to keep unwanted intruders OUT!

12. Create yourself a checklist to ensure you have done everything and got everything before you go. We have created a basic checklist which you can print if you want.
    
    Click here to download the list
    
    The file is in PDF format.  If you don't have the reader you download it from Adobe.  It is free
     

Remember. If your neighbour looks after your house whilst you're away then do the same for them!

The ideas above don't guarantee you won't get burgled but they will reduce the possibility.

If you want more advise about home security then contact your Crime Reduction Officer. The name and number of the Officer can be found though your local Police Station.  For those in the St. Neots Sector the number is 01480 456111.

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