How to beat the burglars this winter

PC Richard Martin said: "As part of the campaign we are reminding householders to take some basic security measures so they don't end up becoming a victim of crime this winter. We hope that shoppers and residents will come and visit us on the stand and find out more about how to beat the burglar."

Analysis shows that burglary is generally higher over the winter months between November and February, with January being the peak month. This is likely due to Christmas and the greater availability of high value items in homes being bought as presents.

Exterior lights fitted with sensors which switch on for a short time when they detect something in range are also a good deterrent, as are "dusk to dawn" lights at the front of premises, which are light sensitive and come on when it gets dark and switch themselves off when it gets light.

Other measures residents can take to prevent the opportunistic burglar choosing their house this winter include:

· Alarms - visible burglar alarms will stop most burglars breaking in.

· Windows and doors - always secure the ground floor windows and other windows that can be reached by climbing. Locks are inexpensive and widely available not just for windows, but also for main and patio doors. If your front and back doors are not secure, then neither is your home. Make sure they are of solid construction, and remember glass panels can prove vulnerable. Car keys should be placed away from windows and front doors where they may be vulnerable to theft by "fishing" via the letterbox with a stick or similar implement.

· Boundaries - A high wall or fence at the back of your property can out off a burglar, but check for weak spots. Make sure the front of the house is visible to neighbours or passing pedestrians so a thief cannot work unseen. A thorny hedge along a boundary also provides an effective deterrent.

· Outbuildings - Never leave a garage, shed or outbuilding unlocked, especially if the garage has a connecting door to the house. Consider installing a shed alarm. Lock tools and ladders away so that thieves cannot use them to break in. you may not want your lawnmower for a few months but a burglar will.

· If you are going away - cancel all deliveries such as milk and papers and ask a neighbour to pop round and move your post away from the door.

· Neighbourhood Watch - Many areas of Surrey are covered by a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Good neighbours are your best defence against crime. To see if you are in a Neighbourhood Watch area, or if you are interested in starting one, contact Woking Crime Reduction Advisor PC Tracy Spencer.