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Crime reduction tips to reduce the risk of your property from
being burgled
Timer
switches: the use of timer switches can deceive a potential
suspect to think that someone may be in the property. Have
one in the lounge that comes on at dusk and one in the bedroom
that comes on later that night. Timer switches can not only
be used with lamps but also radios so voices can be heard
by anyone outside the property.
Security
lights: worked by a sensor, have these located around
the outside of the property so that anyone going around the
back for example will activate them. Consider also having
a switch in a bedroom and downstairs so you can activate themselves
if you hear someone. Make sure that the lights when activated
by a sensor do not go off after just a few seconds.
CCTV:
If you can afford this, consider installing closed a closed
circuit television system with cameras outside and make sure
it can record. In certain situations "dummy" cameras
can be quite effective.
Insecure
windows and doors:- A lot of burglaries happen by offenders
entering the property through an insecure window or door.
Make sure you lock your windows and doors when not in use
and when you leave the property.
Locks:
A 5 Lever Motice lock (British standard BS3621) is the standard
lock that is suitable for a front door to accompany a rim
lock. Most insurance companies will require this and it to
be used when the property is unoccupied.
The
door itself should be British Standard PAS 24. On PVC doors
the locks are normally integrated and effective but make sure
the lock is fully engaged and remove the keys after locking.
Windows should also have locks on them and if in vulnerable
locations such as a rear window on a flat roof an extra lock
can be added for increase security.
Patio doors can also benefit from extra locks and locks for
the purpose are on the market. The condition of the frame,
hinges and any glass panels should be checked. Details about
the certification of the locks and which are best for different
type of windows can be found on the Master lock smith's association
website: http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/homeSecurity/default.asp
and type of locks can be discussed with specialised lock
companies that can be found in the yellow pages or on the
internet.
Items
left out: don't leave item lying around that a potential
offender could use to break into your property, this includes
tools, loose bricks, general debris and ladders. Secure items
in shed, garage or outbuilding with a British Standard close
shackle padlock.
Property
mark: property mark all items of value with a UV pen or
forensic security coding pack. The UV pen works by writing
your house name or number and postcode on the item and if
the item is stolen and comes into police hands we check everything
with a UV light and the address should appear for us to then
make enquires and to hopefully return the item to you.
The
forensic coding systems use a chemical solution that just
needs to be placed on the item of value and left to dry (follow
the instructions on the package), again if the item is found
to have the solution on it when checking with a UV light this
will be sent to a laboratory for the solution to be checked
to see what house and resident it is register to. Contact
your local crime reduction advisor for any further advice.
Items
on display:
Don't leave valuable items on full display. If you get a new
TV for example don't leave it in full view in front of the
window with the empty box displayed outside for the bin men
to collect. Use blinds and curtains to stop persons seeing
into your property from the road.
Trellis
and garden security -Use Trellis on top of fencing and walls
at the side and rear of your property as this is generally
the point of entry for an offender as they think they are
less likely to be seen. Prikka Strip is also an effective
way to stop persons climbing your fence. This can be found
at most security companies and at DYI stores.
Keys
that are exposed: Don't leave your keys on display - Don't
leave items of value around the front door or leave your keys
on display for potential suspects to target by gaining access
to your property through the letterbox. Some offenders target
nice vehicles and gain the keys by putting a hook through
the letterbox and taking the keys. Keys should be in a safe
place in case of a fire but not on display for potential offenders.
Burglar alarms - a visible burglar alarm also works
as a deterrent. If you decide to get an alarm make sure you
speak with at least 3 companies and quotes from each of them
with details of the packages they are offering. Make sure
the security company is regulated by either NSI or SSAIB and
has been accredited to ensure they are a good standard.
Post,
Milk and Newspaper deliveries: Make sure you cancel your
newspapers and milk if you are going to be away and as many
properties now have outside letter boxes, ask a friend or
neighbour to empty each day so there is not post exposed from
a full letter box.
Local
Neighbourhood watch:
Look out for each other. It is a known fact that some offenders
do not like Neighbourhood watch areas and avoid them. Even
if you don't have a watch scheme look after each other and
identify vulnerable people in your road/area that could be
assisted by the local community. For example if a neighbour
is having problems with their gardening, maybe you could help
or direct them to a charity that could help with their gardening
needs. Offenders target properties where an elderly or vulnerable
person may live. Watch each others properties while on holiday
as they can then repay the favour when you are away.
With
thanks to the Thames Valley Police Crime Prevention and Reduction
Advisor at High Wycombe Police Station for some of the material
used here
N.B.
This information should not be relied on for accuracy and
is presented here without the responsibility of jml Property
Service and the website it is being displayed at. ©jml property
Services 10-09
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