Police have warned the public to be extra vigilant with their home security now the clocks have gone back, as the dark nights could lead to a spike in burglaries.
Suffolk Police has reminded residents to check outbuildings and vehicles, shut windows, and lock their doors in order to protect themselves against the increased threat of theft during winter.
Detective Chief Supt Andy Smith said: “With the clocks going back at the end of October and the nights drawing in, burglars will look for opportunities to target vacated homes.”
He also advised against leaving valuables on display in the car, outbuildings, or windows.
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added that “most burglars are opportunistic”, and they will be tempted by the shorter days and darker evenings.
Therefore, he said a few extra precautions will go a long way to keeping homes and valuables safe over the next few months.
This comes after insurance provider Aviva revealed home theft claims rise by 23 per cent in October and November, in comparison with the monthly average.
Using data from the last five years, it also found that malicious damage claims to properties rises by 21 per cent during the same months. These include broken doors, firework damage, and smashed windows.
Chief claims officer at Aviva Waseem Malik said the combination of Halloween and the clocks going backwards creates a “perfect storm for would-be troublemakers”.
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