Neighbourhood Watch – News & Advice

by | Dec 1, 2025 | Village News

December 2025

Protect your Home & Belongings

Being a victim of burglary can be deeply distressing and affect your sense of safety. Even one incident can impact an entire community. Here are some simple steps to help protect your home and belongings:

Inside your home:

  • Always lock your doors, even when you’re in.
  • Consider installing a burglar alarm or CCTV.
  • Keep windows closed or fit restrictors if left open. Strong locks make a big difference.
  • Use timer switches to leave lights or radio on when you’re out.
  • Keep valuables and car keys out of sight and away from doors or letterboxes.

Outside your home:

  • Lock away ladders and tools that could help someone break in.
  • Keep sheds and garages locked.
  • Trim back overgrown shrubs to remove hiding spots.
  • Never leave spare keys in obvious places like under pots or in the letterbox.
  • Secure side and back gates with locks that can’t be accessed from outside.

If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call us on 101. If someone is trying to break in, call 999 immediately. For more advice, visit https://orlo.uk/HGjFc

Keeping your bike safe this winter 

Putting your bike away for the winter?

Keep your bike safe this winter, by taking steps to layer your security

  • Keep your bike out of sight when not in use.
  • Store it in a secure location, consider bolting it down to a ground anchor, or locking your bike to an immovable object with hardened steel chains or a close shackle lock.
  • Using a garage? Consider garage door defenders or upgrade your garage door locks.
  • Consider installing motion-activated lights, or use shed/garage alarms, where your bike is secured to deter thieves from taking advantage of the darker months.
  • Having an alarm or tracker on your bike can be a deterrent to thieves, consider an alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab or movement sensors.
  • Property mark the parts, by marking as much of your bike as possible will make it more difficult for criminals to sell parts on in the event it is stolen.

Marking property can make it less attractive to steal as it is harder to sell on, it will also help police identify parts and return recovered stolen bikes.

Unfortunately security measures can’t guarantee your bike won’t be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it harder and less attractive for thieves.

Report online or to 101 (non-emergency), and always to 999 in an emergency / crime in action.

If you have information about any crime call 101, email: 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you see a crime taking place call 999.

WG Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators – Simon Baker & Philippa Lake