With the days getting darker earlier, now is a good time to think about what you can do to keep yourself and your property safe.

Follow our simple crime prevention tips, part of our Stay Safe this Autumn campaign.

Stay Safe this Autumn

• Avoid leaving keys and valuables on display near doors or windows.
• Always lock windows and doors before you go out or go to bed.
• Store bins and gardening equipment securely so they can’t be used to break into your house.
• Lock away valuable garden equipment and secure your shed.
• Use timer switches to turn lights on and off if you go away, to give the illusion someone is home. 
• Consider fitting intruder alarms, door chains, a spy hole and external lights. 
• Security mark valuable items and keep receipts somewhere safe. 
• Always check the ID of cold callers – consider fitting a door chain or spy hole.

Download our autumn safety advice, Your guide to home & garden security and Your guide to personal safety (PDF)

Darker evenings - be safe, be seen

With darker mornings and evenings, take extra care when you are out and about on foot or bike.

Stay visible - wear bright, reflective clothing if you're out walking.

Fit reflectors and lights to your bike - this is a legal requirement.

Keep to busy, well-lit areas.

If you drive, use appropriate lights so you are clearly visible to other road users.

** Remember, the clocks go back on Sunday 28 October** 

Download Your guide to personal safety (PDF)

Stay Safe this Halloween

Halloween is a fun time for some but also a worrying time for others, particularly vulnerable people.

If you have young children:

• Never let young children go trick or treating on their own.
• Make sure they only visit people known to your family.

If you have older children:

• Make sure they are not going to be using alcohol, flour or eggs.
• Make it clear, if a ‘no trick or treat’ sign is displayed, they should leave straightaway. 
• Advise them to stay in a group and never go into the home of someone they don’t know. 
• Make sure they understand they must not frighten people.

Download our trick or treat advice and our 'Please do not disturb' poster (PDF) for your home or vulnerable neighbours or relatives. Businesses - download and print off our 'No eggs and flour' poster (PDF)  

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 or CE. 
• Keep fireworks in a closed box, preferably somewhere secure.
• Never throw fireworks.
• Keep pets indoors.

Know the law:

• It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.
• It’s illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.
• It’s illegal to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year, and Chinese New Year (1am).

Download our fireworks safety advice and get more advice on firework safety and the law on the Gov.uk website. Businesses - download our 'Fireworks' poster to put up in your shop window.