04/01/2026

Please see the below official Police SB Alert advice in relation to protecting your home when either out for the evening or away on holiday during these darker nights.

Unfortunately, Thieves will target properties that look unoccupied during these darker nights therefore please consider the following steps in an effort to protect your property.

• Ensure doors and windows are in a good state of repair and that good quality locks or bolts are fitted to all outside doors.
  
  
• Ensure the locks on all windows and doors are in good working order and are locked.
  
  
• Remove the keys from all windows and doors and put them in a safe place when you leave the house.
  
  
• If you have an intruder alarm, make sure it’s set. If you don’t have one consider having an approved alarm system installed. 
  
  
• Make use of timer plugs with lamps and radios to make your house seem occupied. You can also get photosensitive bulbs, which are activated when it gets darker.
  
  
• Don’t leave valuable items such as laptops and jewellery in view of windows. Lock valuable items away in a ground anchored safe or you could consider leaving important documents and valuable items with other family members whilst away.
  
  
• Make sure all access points are secured such as gates and activate any external security lighting that you may have.
  
  
• Ensure gardening equipment, tools and ladders are put away and securely stored. Don’t leave them lying around in your garden.
  
  
• Ensure that any sheds and outbuildings are locked and secured. Use good quality locks on garages and sheds (ensure screws on latches and hinges cannot be undone easily from the outside) and where possible ensure that they are alarmed.
  
  
•  Mark your valuables such as jewellery and electronic equipment, including your gardening equipment, tools and other valuables stored in sheds and garages.
  
  
• Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries if you have them. Don’t announce your departure to a shop full of people. Only tell people who need to know you’re going away such as a trusted friend or neighbour.
  
  
• Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect post, open and close curtains.
  
  
•  Never post statuses or comment on social media about going on holiday – or indeed whilst you are away on holiday. You wouldn’t display a sign in your window advertising that you’re going on holiday, so don’t advertise it online - if you must post status updates, ensure that your privacy settings are set so that only trusted family and friends can view the updates.
  
  
•  Is there a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme where you live? Visit Neighbourhood Watch Scotland | Safer Neighbourhoods Stronger Communities and enter your postcode to check to see if there are any schemes declared in your area. 
  
  
•  Make sure that you have up-to-date contents and buildings insurance. 

 
For More advice Visit:

Your house - Police Scotland