Darker Nights Campaign🌙 Light Up, Lock Up, Stay Safe

🌙 Light Up, Lock Up, Stay Safe

👮‍♂️ Derbyshire Neighbourhood Watch are working with Derbyshire Police as part of the Darker Nights Campaign.

As evenings get darker earlier, accidents and crime risks increase. Whether you’re heading home from work, walking the dog, cycling, or just out enjoying your community — a few small steps can keep you safer this season.

This guide is about staying bright, staying visible, and staying one step ahead.

When You’re Out and About

🚶 Walking

• Stick to well-lit, busy routes — avoid shortcuts through alleys or unlit areas.
• Walk facing traffic where possible and keep headphones low so you’re aware of your surroundings.
• Let someone know your route or share your live location if you’re heading home late.
• Wear reflective or bright clothing so drivers and cyclists can see you sooner.

🚴 Cycling

• It’s the law to have a white front light and red rear light after dark.
• Wear reflective clothing or accessories so drivers can see you earlier.
• Use cycle paths where available — and always lock your bike securely when leaving it.

🚗 Driving

• Check your headlights, brake lights and indicators before heading out.
• Reduce speed in poorly lit or wet conditions — stopping distances are longer.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists — they’re harder to spot on darker nights.
• Keep de-icer and a scraper in your car so you can clear your windscreen quickly and safely, cutting down the time you spend outside in the dark.
• Plan Ahead: Check weather and traffic before travelling. If it’s not essential, delay until conditions improve. (RoSPA / RAC)
• Pack Smart: Keep water, warm clothing or a blanket, torch, and a power bank in your car in case of breakdowns. (PSNI / Essex Police)
• Drive Smoothly: Accelerate gently, brake earlier, and leave more distance in icy, foggy, or wet conditions. (RoSPA)

Inside Right: Protecting Yourself & Your Home

🏠 At Home

• Use timer switches so your house looks occupied after dark.
• Keep doors, windows, sheds, and gates locked every evening.
• Motion-sensor lights are a great deterrent against opportunists.

📱 Personal Safety

• Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank if out late.
• Don’t flash valuables like phones, wallets, or jewellery.
• Carry a personal alarm — cheap, discreet, and effective in drawing attention. (Crimestoppers / Karbon Homes)
• Stay alert when walking — avoid being distracted by loud music or scrolling on your phone.

👀 Look Out for Each Other

• Check in on neighbours, especially older or vulnerable people.
• If something doesn’t feel right — trust your instincts and report it.
• Suspicious behaviour? Call 101 — emergencies? 999 straight away.

🤝 Neighbourhood Watch in Action

• Over 1,000 Derbyshire schemes are active.
• Members receive Derbyshire Alert updates direct from police.
• Together, we create safer, stronger communities.

🗺️ StreetSafe Tool

• Tell us where you feel unsafe — lighting, pathways, hotspots — via StreetSafe on Derbyshire Police’s website.

🚨 Key Numbers

• Emergency: 999
• Non-emergency: 101
• Neighbourhood Watch info: derbyshireneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk

🌟 Light Up, Lock Up, Stay Safe.
Small changes make a big difference in the darker nights. Together, let’s keep Derbyshire safe.