Crime Awareness – Top Tips

  • Secure the perimeter of your property to act as a good deterrent.
  • Spiky plants will make boundaries more secure.
  • Put your tools and gardening equipment away.
  • Good outdoor lighting is a deterrent. Use daylight or movement sensors.
  • Robust Door and Window Locks to British Standards.  
  • Make sure you lock all doors and windows when you leave your house, even into the garden and at night time. 
  •  Keep keys and valuables out of sight of windows and doors.
  •  If you have an alarm – set it whenever you leave the house.
  • Record your valuables and property serial numbers by using immobilise.com
  • Use property marking products such as UV pens or etching.
  • Never keep large amounts of cash in your home
  • Beware of bogus callers.  Not sure? Don’t answer the door!
  • Watch out for pushy sellers 
  • Watch out for traders who say they’ve noticed something needs fixing or trees need work etc.
  • Beware of people who say they need help and ask to come into your home
  • Beware of deliveries of products you didn’t order
  • Ask for identity and examine it carefully.  
  • If you’re pressured or feel unsafe contact friends, family or the Police.
  • Don’t worry about leaving someone waiting.  A genuine person won’t mind.
  • Don’t buy from doorstep sellers.  Display a no cold callers sign.
  • Use strong passwords and keep them safe
  • Use up to date and recognised anti-virus software.  Back up your data
  • Don’t click on links or downloads in emails unless you’re 100% sure.
  • If you receive a scam letter, ignore it and throw it away.  Never reply.
  • Watch out for calls claiming to be from your bank or police about fraudulent use of your credit or debit card.  Don’t give your PIN number. 
  • Beware of unsolicited calls
  • Burglars look for open gates, windows, doors
  • Burglars look for flimsy doors and inadequate locks
  • Burglars look for tools, ladders, small openings
  • Burglars like hiding places
  • Burglars like to see valuables through windows
  • Burglars look for signs that nobody is home (such as no lights, curtains closed all day, post piling up).
  • Burglars don’t like lights, strong locks, alarms, Neighbourhood Watch and especially nosy neighbours.