http://www.essex.police.uk/be_safe.aspx  With long dark nights and bad weather approaching and, dare I say it, `Christmas`, the opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour will increase, as will issues for personal safety in and outside your home.
So, what can you do?

Let`s start with safety
Inspect and test lights on your cars and bicycles.
Test smoke / carbon monoxide detectors. Don`t have one, install at least one on each level of your home.
Ensure you have spare batteries for torches, smoke / carbon monoxide detectors.
Speak to your local fire safety officer to arrange a free home fire safety visit.
Test timers that switch on home and security lighting.
Ensure you have high visibility jackets in the car for yourself and each passenger in case of emergency.
Cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, joggers and dogs should all wear high visibility clothing whilst out on the roads.
Consider elderly and/or vulnerable persons living nearby that may require your help and assistance with the above.
Report any street lights that are not working to your local council (each lamp column has a number on it.)

Now security
Inspect and test security lighting. Test light timers and set them to come on at various times.
Secure garden tools/mowers etc. that will not be used for several months.
Check the locks work on your doors, windows, gates, sheds, outbuildings and oil tanks etc.
Consider a house alarm and/or CCTV being installed (these are the best deterrents against burglary)
If you already have these, have they been tested/serviced recently?
Set your alarm and lock all windows and doors when going out. Removing keys from locks is a condition of insurance.
Many more homes are installing cost effective CCTV kits (Plug & Play) Insure you only gather images of your property and speak with a local security company for a more professionally installed system.
Are you in a Neighbourhood Watch Group? If not consider starting or joining one.
Dog walkers consider joining `Dog Watch` a local community initiative to encourage dog walkers to lookout for and report suspicious activity, anti-social behaviour etc.
Do not put Christmas presents around the tree. Hide them, use the loft if possible or place them around the house in various cupboards.
Consider elderly and/or vulnerable persons living nearby that may require your help and assistance with the above.
Sign up to Essex Community Messaging. ECM http://www.essex.police.uk/ecm   to receive accurate and up-to-date community information and crime prevention advice.
For more advice on these and other security issues visit the Essex Police web site http://www.essex.police.uk/be_safe.aspx  

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