SECURING YOUR HOME

Is your home attractive to the opportunist thief? All householders within Neighbourhood Watch areas should have reasonable basic security. Advice is freely available from your Community Officer and Crime Prevention Officers. You should also remember to use security already installed. It is easy to relax that security by thinking that we are only going to be "one minute". That minute is all the opportunist thief needs. Neighbours and friends can be called upon to keep an eye on your home while you are away, by clearing letter boxes, mowing the front lawn and generally giving the appearance of the house being occupied.
STICKER FADE HOW'S YOUR STICKER?

Has your sticker disappeared or become faded? If so, contact your street or area co-ordinator for a new one.
The sticker indicates that you are security minded, your property is identifiable and you are alert to the need to keep an eye on neighbour's property.
This brings us onto unwarranted and bogus callers at the door. NEVER open the door to any person unknown to you, no matter how friendly they appear. ALWAYS use your telescopic door viewer and then your door chain. Identification of an unknown caller is vital before letting them enter. If you are in any doubt at all then do not open the door.

WATCH OUT FOR THE DOORSTEP CONMEN CONFIDENCE tricksters, maybe known more commonly as conmen, come in all shapes and sizes - male and female, young and old.
Their objective is to steal from unsuspecting persons, particularly the elderly.
This offence, known to the police as burglary artifice, and is still much too prevalent.
You must remain on your guard to ensure that complacency is not allowed to creep in.
Some of the methods used by young people to gain entry to your home include asking to use the toilet, for a glass of water, or to look for a dog or ball in the back garden.
Adult confidence tricksters may claim to represent Social Services, the Council, or the gas, water or electricity boards.
They trick their way in to steal such things as cash, jewellery, pension and benefit books, cheque books and cards and savings books.
We ask that you take these simple precautions to defeat the confidence trickster:

ALWAYS answer the door with the chain in place;
NEVER invite anyone in without an appointment;
NEVER keep large sums of money in the house;
ALWAYS check the identity of service industry callers by asking for your account number;
ALWAYS deal with reputable tradesmen and never part with money on the promise of work to be done.

WHEN IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT AND CALL THE POLICE SECURITY CHECKLIST

An Englishman's home may be his castle, but does he take the trouble to defend it? Nine out of ten break-ins are through insecure doors and windows. You don't have to live in a fortress to deter thieves - just take a few precautions.
What you have to do to make and keep your home safe? Take direct action now to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of burglary! Use this checklist.
* When you go out, secure all windows in the house. Thieves can gain access through the smallest window.
* Never leave windows open a few inches so that pets can get in and out, Burglars find this useful too.
* Windows near flat roofs are particularly vulnerable. Never leave lavatory windows open when you are out. They are often close to drainpipes which allow thieves to climb up. Consider using anti-climb paint.
* Fit good locks to all accessible windows.
* Never leave your door key under the mat, flower pot or hanging on a string behind the letterbox. Thieves always look in these places first.
* Make sure the inside latch of your front door can't be opened through the letterbox - fit a deadlock to the door
* Remember thieves have to get in and out. If your back door locks with a key, remove the key and use the door bolts.
* Keep your shed, garage and external stores locked. Tools are valuable and can be used to gain access.
* Never leave ladders lying about - clamp or padlock them to something secure.
* Leave a light on and illuminate dark areas around your house - burglars don't like lights
* Make sure that your house and contents are adequately insured.

GARAGES AND GARDEN SHEDS

In many cases burglars use tools and garden implements from sheds and garages to break into houses. Ensure your outbuildings are secure and that items such as ladders are unable to be utilised by the thief.

SIDE PASSAGES

Stop a thief from getting to the rear of your house where he can work undisturbed. Fit a strong, high gate with trellis above if necessary. Shared sideways can also mean shared cost and shared security.

a) MARK YOUR PROPERTY
OR
b) VALUABLE MARKING
OR
c) DETER A THIEF PROPERTY marking is a simple way to mark all your possessions with your postcode and house number.
This deters a thief, helps in the return of stolen property, and also helps the police to achieve successful prosecutions.
Stickers indicate that the contents of your home have been property marked. If you need more advice, contact your street or area co-ordinator.