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This Christmas, please don’t give thieves a hand!! Statistics show that October to December have the highest numbers of residential Burglaries so as Christmas approaches let’s make it one to remember for the right reasons. Officers around the Durham have been doing their bit in keeping you all safe by carrying out extra patrols in hot spot areas, you can also help us and protect yourselves further by: - Using timer switches – Use light timers inside your property to give the impression someone is home, burglars will be less confident about approaching your property while you’re out.Outdoor lighting – Is a great deterrent, it reduces the likelihood of criminal activities. Install LED dusk to dawn lighting to make sure that your garden, especially doorways, are well lit at nightDoor and windows locked – Keep all doors and windows locked, even when you’re at home or just popping out. Make sure your home is well-secured with key-operated multi-point locks, deadbolts and key-locked windows, this makes it harder for thieves to get in. Secure packages and valuables – Don’t advertise your home as a potential treasure trove for burglars. Keep valuables and Christmas presents out of sight and schedule deliveries so you’re in when they arrive or arrange a safe place when you’re out.Key Fishing – Always remove keys from the door locks and don’t leave on side tables next to door. Thieves can use tools to easily retrieve the keys making your home more vulnerable.Don’t give too much away on social media- Don’t put your Christmas travel plans on any form of social media. This is all prime information that a thief will use to know when your home is empty.Hide your gift packaging - Breakdown any boxes you are throwing away and put them in rubbish bags and place them in the wheelie bin. Burglars know people often have new and expensive items in their homes following Christmas, avoid telling them what you’ve got, don’t advertise it.We wish you all a Happy and Safe Christmas……. 
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