Neighbourhood Watch

Crime Prevention Advice

Following recent burglaries in the area I am emailing you to provide some crime prevention advice for both dwelling burglaries and garage and shed breaks.

Dwelling Burglaries:

Don’t leave curtains/blinds open, and don’t leave valuables on show.
• If you are going away, ask a neighbour or friend to check your house regularly.
• Buy timer switches for lamps and radios to give the impression that someone is home.
• Install an alarm system and ensure the alarm box is clearly visible.
• Don’t leave keys in doors – remove them and keep them close at hand but out of sight where you can easily find them in an emergency.
• Don’t leave your house unattended with windows open and unlocked – even for just a minute.
• If you are in the garden or upstairs, make sure your downstairs doors and windows are closed.
• Never leave a key under a doormat or on a string through the letterbox.

Garage and Shed Breaks:

Fit an alarm to your garage or shed – most DIY stores stock battery- operated alarms suitable

for this purpose.
• Always mark the property you keep in your garage or shed with your postcode – this will help identification if they are stolen and then recovered. Keep a list of property with photographs. Register your property on www.immobilise.com.
• Make sure your garage or shed is fitted with a good strong lock, padlock, door hinges or other security device such as a Garage Defender.
• Make sure items inside the garage or shed are secure – large items can be padlocked together or you could sink a post into the floor of the garage and padlock items to the post.
• Always remember to lock your garage or shed after use.
• Do not store large quantities of valuables in your garage and shed.
• Keep property and fencing in good repair and ensure that foliage and trees are kept trimmed.
• Check with your insurance company that you are covered for items stored in your garage or shed.

This month is Home Security Month....The following is an extract from their website detailing the information they provide. Please visit their website at: http://www.homesecuritymonth.com/

Smart Home Security – 17th October 2016
Ever wanted to check in on your home while you’re away? Now you can with the latest smart home security allowing you remote access to CCTV kits, alarms and even door locks.

Dark Nights – 24th October 2016
In week four attention turns to the great outdoors, encouraging you to consider the exterior of your property and outbuildings. Coinciding with the clocks going back, this week will prepare you for the onset of those winter months.