Sorry, not very Christmassy :(

Thank you so much for a timely warning.

It coincided with my husband reminding me about locking our new front door - we both went out today and forgot to lock it! The old door used to 'self lock!'

In our village recently, sheds and outhouses have been burgled.

Good tip.
As u probably know Gee, we have recently moved. We spent months looking on Rightmove and Zoopla at prospective house to buy and I noticed just what u mentioned, in many photos. So, the vendors had had the estate agents to take pictures to be seen by goodness knows who on the Internet and they showed that they leave their keys in the glass back door.
I'm afraid it's everywhere, it seems.The town we lived in till 10 days ago, is having a terrible time with burglaries.

Thanks for the reminder to be extra vigilant,Gee.It really is so important ,especially at this time of year.The scum know there will probably be wrapped gifts etc,somewhere in the house.,and many other things easily removed..We had anti snap locks fitted a few years ago,and a battering ram would be needed to get through our front door,but the Conservatory round the back,wouldn't deter them,even when locked..They only have to smash a window,.then the inner Patio doors,if they were so determined..We can only do so much to protect our homes,I'm afraid..

During the dark winter evenings, I actually lock my back kitchen door when I'm in the house. The rest are self locking. It's amazing how many houses are burgled even when the owners are at home. Good point about the shed though, Wildrose. Mine is rarely locked ..until now!!

Hi Gee ... thanks for the heads up ...
a good reminder not to leave valuable items which are visible through windows.
I belong to various canine groups and there are often reports of burglaries where the dogs are stolen too ... stay alert everyone ...

and after Christmas don't put the empty boxes of expensive items on the pavement by the bin. this advertises what expensive items are in the house. I know a few members of the 'thin blue line' and they say that is how thieves target post Christmas, especially new year's eve.

Very good point, Seaburngirl ...

Cars as well being burgled, leave nothing on show.....and be careful putting things in the boot then leaving to do more shopping........
thanks Gee.....

if I'm home alone the doors stay locked, day or night unless I'm in the garden

Thanks for the warning Gill ,it makes me so angry when I hear of this kind of thing what kind of people are they ? ,we always take our key out of the lock but I think if they have a mind to get in nothing will stop them ,we bring the boxes and all packaging back from our daughters on Christmas day and burn it as they haven't room to do it themselves ...

Thankyou Gee, its horrible isn't it, beggars belief how some think they are entitled to others belongings, its not always the loss but the damage caused to the property and obviously the distress caused by anothers actions, its not allowed to say on here what I wish would happen to the perpetrators of such actions.....

Sorryto hear this Gee you can buy a light now that soon as it gets dusk it switches itself on and off during day time, I always leave my radio on just enough so it can be heard from outside as I have double glazing, I put a modern channel on pop music, as I am sure then they will think modern music means some one youngish is in as older people are more vunerable easy targets. I never have a window cleaner, milk man nor paper boy as these are the ones who know when your away too. Best to set up a neighbour hood watch but some occations its been neighbours visitors who burgle.

It is a terrible thing to do at this time of year Gee.....what happened to good will to all men ( and ladies)?

I did the opposite today and locked myself out.
I was working in the back garden and the key must have slipped out of my pocket. Fortunately I had left a window open and I am slim enough to get back through it - but only just.

Oh Andrew.........Pooh bear comes to mind ?

Thanks for the timely reminder Gee.

I'm sorry to hear about what's been going on in your neighbourhood Gill. What horrible people there are in this world :(
They don't deserve any enjoyment at Christmas.
I hope their house gets burgled too !
(I know two wrongs don't make a right, but you have to experience something before you know what it's like)

Can I mention that I am getting a lot of spam emails that say its your invoice etc.

Always an attachment and mustn't be opened

easy to make a mistake at this time of year......

Thanks for the warning......... better safe than sorry.

Such a shame to read this Gee ... I would like to add that purse and bag snatchers are rife at this time of year ... hold on tightly to your bag as you are shopping!

Since my purse was 'snatched' a couple of years back now I have my purse chained into my handbag and it has bells on it too! Takes me a while to untangle it sometimes in the shops but who cares :)

Well, I hope they're festive bells Gee ... lol! Have a lovely Christmas and happy new year. :o)