Away from home

Stay safe when out of the house

We all look forward to that leisure time when we’re out and about. It could be having a roam around the shops, or even taking a well-earned weekend break or holiday. Time out of the house is precious, but if you’re not careful, your property could be vulnerable to criminals.

But there are steps you can take to help avoid being a victim of crime.

Out shopping

We all love a bit of retail therapy, but unfortunately, but it’s not only retailers who are happy to take our money, but criminals too.

Try to pay using a card rather than carrying large amounts of cash.
Be careful when using a cashpoint or chip and pin - cover the keypad.
Avoid writing your down your pin number – you never know who might pick it up.
If you carry a handbag, bury your purse at the bottom.
Keep your wallet in your front pocket.
Keep your handbag zipped at all times to make pickpocketing more difficult.
Try not to leave your handbag in the shopping trolley while you shop. We all leave our trolley now and again to grab something from the shelves.
Stay alert when using your mobile. It's very easy for someone to snatch it out of your hand.
Don't return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping, as thieves can watch in car parks.
Avoid leaving valuables on the seat of your car.
Avoid leaving your house keys in your car.

On holiday

Your home is your castle, and there are a number of things you can do to ensure it is not targeted by individuals while you are away.

Make it appear that someone is home, e.g. don't close your curtains because during the day this shows your house is empty. Also, use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark.
Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries. Ten green bottles on your doorstep is a bit of a giveaway.
Friendly with your neighbours? They may be able to help you by collecting your post or parking their car on your driveway.
If you take a taxi, use a company you can rely on, and when having a chat, don't give too much away on your holiday plans. Make it sound like you have a house-sitter, whether you do or not.
Leave important documents and valuable items with other family members. Alternatively lock them in a safe.
Leave your home address off of your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination. A house number and postcode will suffice if you want to label your luggage.
If you normally leave bicycles or similar items in your shed, consider putting them in the house.
Make sure that you lock all outside doors and windows and set your burglar alarm if you have one.
Avoid posting public messages on social media that you're away from home.