Everyone has the right to feel safe from crime, wherever they live.

Herts Police have issued practical advice including personal safety tips, advice on how you can protect your family, business, home, vehicle and more.

When you are looking at using the principles of crime prevention to improve security around your home or business, the best way to approach it is to look at your home or premises as if you were the offender.

Identify the weak spots, vulnerable areas and concealment points and prioritise the areas for improvement.

Contact Crime Prevention Officers before you undertake any improvements and they will work with you to ensure that you are taking the best approach possible for your respective circumstances.

Keep your home secure this winter, lock all doors and windows when you go out and use a timer on lights if you won't be home before dark.

Residents can make their homes more secure by following some basic crime prevention advice from Herts Police such as:

1 - Lock all doors and windows and ensure any PVCu doors are locked properly by lifting the handle and using the key to double-lock them

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2 - Consider installing a doorbell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm

3 - Install 'dusk to dawn' external lighting and use timer switches or wi-fi plugs/systems in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV.

4 - Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight

5 - Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked. Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed

6 - Secure bins at night and put garden furniture away for the winter as these can be used by burglars as climbing aids to gain access to upper floor windows

7 - Ensure your vehicle is locked and remove all valuables as burglars often check to see if doors are left unlocked

8 - Look out for your neighbours especially in they are vulnerable, by reporting any suspicious activity you notice in your area.