Neighbourhood Watch

URGENT Crime Prevention Advice

There has been a significant increase in the number of burglaries In Test Valley, both dwelling and non-dwelling, as well as the number of thefts from motor vehicle and theft of vehicles. Below is an extensive list of crime prevention advice which we encourage you to read through and think about how you can adapt your home or how you can better secure your property in order to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of such crime.
 
Dwelling Burglaries:
 

• Check your insurance documents for any specific security requirements or upgrades.
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
• Ensure rear fencing is in good repair.
• Lock all windows and doors, remembering to double lock UPVC doors
• Keep all keys out of reach and sight from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through letterbox).
• Do not leave ladders and garden tools in your garden, lock them away in your shed.
• Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges.
• Consider fitting security lighting and a burglar alarm.
• Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your property for free with www.immobilise.com
• Make use of timer switches to make the property appear occupied.
• Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.
• Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
• Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows.
• Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault.

 
Non-Dwelling Burglaries:
 

• Ensure all doors and windows are shut and locked when not in use.
• Ensure windows and door frames are in good repair.
• Fit good quality deadlocks conforming to the latest British Standards to all external doors.
• Fit good quality window locks.
• Install security lights that come on automatically at dusk and go off at dawn.
• Help make your property look occupied by fitting timer switches to lamps in different rooms and set them to come on at staggered times.
• Consider installing CCTV to provide formal surveillance to the most vulnerable areas of the property.
• Consider installing an audible and monitored intruder alarm system.
• Look closely at the perimeter of your land to ensure it is as secure as possible.
• If possible, remove all private access points that are no longer used and establish a single gated entrance and exit.
• Consider installing an entry control system, infra-red, intercom or keypad entry.
• Invert and cap gate hinges so that gates cannot be lifted off. Ensure fixing bolts cannot be removed.
• Use good quality padlocks with covers so they cannot be easily cut off.
• No vehicles should be left in a visible place when not in use.
• When vehicles or plant equipment are kept outside they should be locked and the keys secured in your possession or in a locked key safe.
• Consider the use of hitch locks, wheel clamps or ground anchors. You may require a combination of the above to meet insurance requirements.
• All property, including vehicles, should be uniquely marked, photographed and recorded somewhere safe. This should include serial, chassis and model numbers.
• Use property marking to uniquely mark all types of property.
• Include your postcode and property name or number in a non-obvious place.
• Popular options include stamping, etching, UV marking and DNA products.
• Consider fitting a tracking device or a data tagging chip.

Theft from Motor Vehicles:
 

• Try to park in sign-posted parking areas.
• Be cautious about parking your car in isolation. Thieves can be put off when other people are around.
• Do not leave anything in your vehicle. A jacket or coat left behind may be of very little value to you, but a thief may think it has been used to hide a laptop or handbag and will break into your vehicle to find out.
• Take items with you rather than locking them in the boot, you can’t be sure who has seen you.
• Before you leave home, think about what you need and leave any unnecessary items of value at home.
• Make sure you do not leave documents which have your personal details on in your vehicle.
• Do not leave your sat-nav in your vehicle and don’t forget to remove the cradle and wipe the sucker marks from your windscreen.
• Remember to shut all windows and sunroofs and lock all doors. Activate the alarm and immobiliser. Make use of any security products you might have such as steering locks.
• Whilst enjoying the sights make sure you keep your bag and possessions with you.

 
Theft of vehicles: 
 

• If your vehicle has keyless start, use a steering wheel or gear lock.
• Consider having an on-board diagnostics (OBD) lock fitted.
• Keep your car keys safe. Do not leave them inside your car or in the ignition.
• Upon locking your vehicle try your car door to ensure it is actually locked. 
• Don't leave your keys in a coat pocket.
• Sports changing rooms can be targeted by thieves who look for car keys left in coat pockets.
• Make sure that your keys are not visible to other people.
• Always make sure your car doors and windows are locked.
• Park your car in a garage.
• If you don't have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place.
• When using a car park, choose one that is well-supervised, has entry and exit points, good lighting and security. Avoid parking in dark spots. Look for Park Mark safer parking award  
• Consider fitting security devices that are approved by either Thatcham or Sold Secure.
• All security devices should be fitted by a professional.
• When parking your vehicle at home do not leave keys in easy reach of the letterbox- a tool can be used to reach them easily.