The police have warned that burgularies traditionally increase at this time of year, once the clocks go back.  However, taking sensible precautions may lessen your chance of being a victim.  Some of their advice is below:

- make use of timer switches to have lighting come on within properties if they are going to be empty in the late afternoons and early evenings

- ensure that vehicle keys are never left in view of doors or windows

- make sure that UPVC doors are correctly and fully locked. This means turning the key in the lock as well as lifting the handle in most examples of this type of door. If the handle is lifted and the key not turned, the door may not be fully secure. Having been burgled a few years ago I know what a distressing experience it can be so do what you can to keep yourself safe.