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Spring Crime Prevention Advice
Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves with around 35% of all burglaries gained through an open or unlocked door or window. Although there are no guarantees by following these tips it could help deter the potential burglar.
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Always close and lock all your windows and doors when you go out. Don't leave windows ajar even when it's hot. Even if you are just in the garden make sure your front door is locked.
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Avoid leaving keys and other valuables on display near doors/windows.
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Keep garages and sheds locked - they often contain garden furniture, bikes or tools which can be stolen or used to break in to your home.
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Avoid keeping large amounts of money at home.
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Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards, car keys and other valuables out of sight.
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Remember to lock your uPVC door correctly, lift the handle, lock the door with a key and then remove the key. Lifting the handle alone does not fully engage the locking mechanism.
Are you going away? If yes, think about the following:-
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Aim to make your home look as though it's occupied and someone is in, don't close the curtains - in the day time it shows the house is empty.
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Use automatic timer switches to turn your lights, TV or radio on.
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Royal Mail’s
Keepsafe Service will for a small fee to hold your mail for up to
two months and deliver it on your return, avoiding a pile of mail in the hall.
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Cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers.
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Disconnect the telephone answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer.
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Ask a neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your home for you, if possible park their car on your driveway.
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Cut the lawn and trim back plants before you go away.
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Don't put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination.
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Ensure you lock all outside doors and windows & if you have one set your burglar alarm.
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Do not boast about your holiday on social networking sites until after you get back. Many burglars use these sites to identify “safe” targets.
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Remove obvious temptations ~ bikes in the garden
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Prepare for the worst. If your computer were stolen, what might the consequences be? Back up and password protect.
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Consider making a quick run-through around the house with a video recorder, listing off the valuables. This could save a lot of hassle with the insurance company if you should need to file a claim.
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