Hogmanay is a hopeful time, full of promises and possibility of what the new year will bring, but for criminals, it's prime time for burgling.
Repeat business After visiting a house previously, a burglar states that it is likely they will strike there again: "Burglars come back to the same houses quite often." Top Trending Stories Today Plans on social media "I used Facebook to see when people would be away, you won't believe how many post on social media about visiting family for a few days," shared an ex-burglar.
Exterior lights One ex-burglar revealed what puts them off most: "I'd always skip the house with big outdoor security lights, areas that are dark and shadowed are much easier to target.""A house in the dark could appeal to a burglar as it looks like nobody is in the property, especially with Christmas lights up right now, this makes it obvious that the owner is asleep or not at home," he said.
Anthony commented: "Houses are full of new and often valuable items which are usually kept in obvious places around the house for a good few days after Christmas.