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.
Please stay extra vigilant and anything suspicious do not hesitate to call us using 101 in a non-emergency and 999 in an emergency.
If you would like a home visit to discuss any home security measures or any other concerns please contact the local police via:
test.valley.police@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
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