Good morning Resident

The Police understand that burglary can be emotionally devastating and financially costly to victims and their families. This information offers you practical advice on how to improve the security of your home and protect your belongings.

     1. Lighting… 

Criminals prefer to commit crime where they cannot be seen. Opportunist thieves often target houses that look like no-one is at home, so consider installing timer switches to lights around the house so it appears that the property is occupied. Consider fitting sensor lighting, which will activate from dusk to dawn, to the front and back of your home.

      2. Overgrown shrubs or bushes…

 Keep a check on your own plantings around your home. If they get out of hand they can assist criminals with hiding places. Plantings should ideally be no more than one meter high and tree canopies no lower than two metres from the ground. High hedges at the front of your property will reduce natural surveillance and allow intruders to operate without being seen. This may prevent your neighbours from seeing any criminal activity and raising the alarm for you. We recommend low hedges at the front of your property and high hedges to the rear.

       3. Climbing Aids… 

These are all those opportunities for a criminal to gain access to your garden by using anything convenient to climb over your fence. This could be as simple as a 1m fence joining a 2m fence, or a dustbin or even a pile of wood. Check the outside perimeter of your property for anything that might be of use to the criminal to climb over your fence.

        4. Fencing…

 Is your fencing in good condition? You are allowed a 1m fence at the front and a 2m fence at the rear of your property. Front fences will create a defensible space; rear fences will form a secure barrier against intruders and can be increased in height with trellis where necessary. Barbed wire, razor wire and carpet gripper etc. should not be used as you have a duty of care to prevent anyone accidentally injuring themselves. Trellis should not be robust enough to become a climbing aid and the diamond shaped trellis is the preferred style as it is harder to climb. If using fence panels with concrete posts then these need to be secured with galvanised strips to stop offenders from lifting the panels.

       5. Doors… 

Your front door should be in good condition and of strong design. Wooden doors should be solid timber with a British standard 5 lever mortice lock and a deadlocking rim lock on. Consider when your keys were last replaced, whether past owners or tenants may still have access to your home, and whether anyone may have made copies of your keys without your knowledge. If you are worried, ask a professional locksmith to change your locks and fit an approved patented system, whereby keys can only be copied with proof of ownership. The door should be fitted with a door viewer unless any callers can be clearly seen by other means. When considering buying new doors the security standard is PAS 24: 2016 or STS201 Issue 7: 2015 or LPS1175 Issue 8: 2018 B3, which is recommended by Secure by Design. UPVC doors should always be locked and ensure you engage the multi locking mechanism. Even when you are in 

      6. Windows… 

Check the strength and condition of your windows and frames. Remember the most vulnerable windows are those at ground level and any above a flat roof. Wooden windows can be just as strong as UPVC windows providing good hinges and locks are used. Normal double glazed units do offer a good level of security under normal circumstances. Consider fitting laminated glass if you have a considerable fear of crime. Security films are also available, which can be applied to glass to give it the properties of laminated glass. Always consult a specialist. If considering new windows, ensure that all opening windows are fitted with multi-point locking and shoot bolts. Remember to make sure you can escape from an upstairs window in the event of a fire. The Standard is PAS 24: 2016.

       7. Gates… 

Do you have gates that will deter intruders? Any side gates should always be kept locked and bolted and be in good working order. Again, trellis could increase the height if required, but make sure this does not create a climbing aid when used with the supporting rails.

        8. Defensive Planting… 

Spiky or thorny plants can provide an effective barrier to intruders, there is a list at the back of this leaflet that will help you decide what type of plants are best. You can use such plants to improve security at the perimeter of your home where an intruder may try to climb a fence, wall or gate. Ask at your local garden centre what is available, and how to use it. Remember to ask how quickly it grows and how big it will get. Defensive planting can also be used under any accessible windows to stop offenders gaining access to them to either look inside or attack.

       9. Garden Ornaments and plants…

 Some of your garden ornaments and plants may be very expensive and very desirable to a thief. It is suggested that you use low value plants and ornaments at the front of the property which may be targeted by thieves, and keep the best ornaments and plants for the privacy of your rear garden.

       10. Items of use to a criminal…

 Often criminals are opportunists and are not necessarily prepared for what they do. If you leave items out for them such as ladders, garden implements, or even a plant pot to put through a window then you make their job easier. Check around your property both front and back, and remove or lock up items the criminal might find useful to commit the crime.

       11. Dustbins…

Dustbins have uses for criminals. They use them to climb over fences, climb up to open windows and to wheel away your stolen goods. Make a secure fixing that the dustbin can be secured to away from side gates, flat roofs and windows. This could include use of a Solid Secure chain, padlock and ground anchor or a purpose built lockable enclosure.

       12. Garden Shed…

Make sure that your garden shed is secure. Valuable items such as fishing tackle and golf equipment should not be stored there. If the shed cannot be secured then make sure no items are stored there that could be used to break into your home, such as ladders, garden tools and electrical equipment. Make sure that the roof and walls of the shed are fixed and robust in construction. Any glazed panel should be internally protected using, for example, timber batons, chicken wire or hard board. Consider chaining all larger items together with a quality Sold Secure chain, padlock and ground anchor. Also consider fitting a shed alarm.

       13. Net curtains/ Blinds…

Net curtains do a simple job. They allow you to see out of the house but prevent anyone looking in. If intruders can’t see in then they can’t see what you have and are not tempted to try. If you have blinds fitted ensure they are closed or angled sufficiently to serve the same purpose.

       14. Valuable Items on display…

It is a good idea if you can place valuable items such as laptops, tablets, games consoles, smart phones' and then carry onto TV's etc. away from view. Again remove temptation and remove the risk. Even chargers or controllers for these devices should be removed from sight.

       15. Bogus Callers…

Do not open door to unknown persons. If genuine they will call back or consider using the password scheme run by all general utility companies. Always check any ID

       16. Insurance…

Insurance gives peace of mind and may not be as expensive as you may think. If you are a homeowner then you will need to insure the building, but contents cover should be considered.

       17. Property Marking / tracking…

Mark valuables using one of the numerous methods of marking that are available, such as engraving for jewellery. Remember if it is marked and stolen you stand a greater chance of getting it back. It will also be of reduced value to the thief. Make a note of all serial numbers of electrical goods etc. using the form provided in this booklet. Download tracking Apps onto laptops, mobile phones etc. Use a safe. Install it to the manufacturer’s specification to a solid surface.

       18. Car Parking…

Never leave Keys in ignition (warming or defrosting the car), or near a window or door inside your home. If the only place to park is out on the street then fit a car alarm, vehicle immobiliser, steering wheel locks or wheel clamps. If you have a drive or garage please use it. Park your car under a window or consider installing an external light to light up the parking area at night. Put up gates or a security post and lock them at night. Make sure your car is locked if left unattended. For vehicle security products go to Thatcham or Sold Secure.

       19. Finally…

DON’T keep large quantities of cash in the house.