Here's the latest tips from our friends in Essex Police, written by Crime Prevention Tactical Officer, Stephen Armson-Smith When walking down the road during the now darker nights it is easy to spot that empty house. There's a line of houses, lights glowing within and signs of occupancy. In the…

I've just got back to the office after our regular two-and-a-half week trip to Northern Cyprus. Our oldest friends have been living out there for the past fourteen years and I think we've just chalked up our twelfth visit. Compared to the south of the island the north is extremely good value with…

Unfortunately lots of people keep on making mistakes that create the conditions necessary for unnecessary crimes to take place! Most of the time you'll get away with it, but then one day you won't and then you'll have to call the police. I've listed the most common ‘mistakes' at the…

As the nights draw in you can do quite a lot to reduce the number of cold callers at the front door. Most callers will be genuine people wanting to sell you something or tell you something, but it can still be a nuisance and, of course, some of these callers may be thieves. With some thought and…

Some unfortunate people will suffer a burglary during the night tonight, not because they don't have the right security in place, but because they'll forget to use it! Try to adopt a security routine and stick to it and if necessary write it down on a piece of paper and stick it to the back of…

If you've got home contents insurance do make sure that you are satisfying your insurer's conditions for security. If you haven't done what they tell you in the small print you may not be covered if a bad thing happens! More advice here:…