Seasonal crime reduction advice
Beating the burglar now the clocks have gone back
Darker evenings are now with is following the clocks going back at the end of October and the community safety partnership say now is the ideal time to review your home security to keep Burglar Bill out in the cold this winter.
Top tips to keep your home a burglar-free zone
- Fasten all doors and windows securely before you go out, even if only for a few minutes, and before you go to bed
- Lock the door to an attached garage or side gate
- Lock away your garden tools
- Tall, lockable gates, high fences and prickly plants will help deter intruders
- Use random or seven-day timers on lights, radios and TVs. Consider installing a burglar alarm. Remember to light different rooms, not just the hallway and landing
- Keep the perimeter of your home well lit. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is cost-effective way to protect your home and can ensure that unwanted visitors can be seen
- Coming up to Christmas, keep gifts out of sight. Don't put presents under the tree long before Christmas. Check if your insurance covers presents. Use an ultra violet market pen and write your house number and postcode on valuables, including your TV, computer, iPad etc. Remember that offenders target small items that are easy to hide, transport and dispose of
- Don't leave empty boxes and packaging from gifts outside your home - it's a giveaway that valuables are inside. Break up/flatten boxes and take cardboard packaging to the borough's recycling facilities.
Organise or take part in a community watch programme to protect your neighbourhood. An alert community is a safe community. To sign up to community messaging visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev/aboutus-watch-commmsg
Make a record of any serial numbers and keep them safe. If you have access to the internet, http://www.immobilise.com/ is a free database recommended by the police to record anything with a serial number.
Simple reminders about car security
- Remember to park in well-lit areas, on your driveway or in a garage whenever possible.
- Never leave items on display and take all valuables with you.
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Lock and secure your vehicle before you leave it.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim of distraction burglary
- If you are suspicious of an unexpected caller, contact police immediately on 999, giving as much detail about the person as possible. It may be that the same caller has caused concern elsewhere.
- You should never open your door to a stranger. If someone comes to your door, use your intercom system or shout through the door to see who it is.
- If the person is not expected, do not open the door. Tell them to make an appointment. If they say there is an emergency, check with the police.
- If the person is expected, put the chain on and then check their identification. If you do not have a chain, ask for the identification to be put through the letterbox.
- Some offenders will not bother to trick their way in if they find an insecure window or door. Make sure all your windows and doors are locked whenever you leave the room. Padlock your side gate. Make sure your house is secure if you go into the garden.
- If you need any work done in your home or garden it is advisable to contact Age Concern to ask for advice. You should check whether people are genuine before letting them carry out any work.
- Remember that the water board no longer exists. Genuine callers from gas, electricity and water companies will carry ID cards and are likely have uniforms and marked vehicles. Set up a password scheme with your utility company.
For further advice - call 101. You can also report any suspicious activity via the same number, or in an emergency dial 999.
http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev-cpra
