Burglary

Securing your home

The majority of burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves - by reducing their potential gain and increasing the potential for them being caught, a lot of burglaries can be prevented.

• Where possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows.
• Visible alarms make burglars think twice, especially proper monitored systems.
• Physical obstacles, such as high gates and fences, can deter burglars.
• Install window locks and extra security where possible .
• Even small windows like casement windows, skylights or bathroom fanlights need locks. A thief can get in through any gap larger than a human head.
• Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like under the doormat, in a flowerpot or inside a letterbox - a thief will look there first.
• Never leave your car keys near the front door.
• Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house. Lock tools and ladders away so that a thief cannot use them to break in.
• When away, make it look as though your house is occupied - use time switches for lights and the radio, ask a neighbour to clear the doorstep and park on your drive, cancel delivery of milk and newspapers etc. If you are away for extended periods check your insurance policy, as some 'contents' policies don't cover you if you are away for more than 30 days.

Home Security kits

Broxbourne residents can pick up a free home security kit from Broxbourne Council reception in Cheshunt and the Council's one stop shops in Waltham Cross, Cheshunt and Hoddesdon.  These packs will help residents safeguard their homes from burglars and thereby, the Council hopes, reduce their fear of crime.

The packs are supplied by Broxbourne's Community Safety Partnership, comprising Broxbourne Council, the County Council, the police and other agencies. Funding for these packs is provided by the Home Office.  

Each pack contains two types of marker pen, one permanent black ink and one ultra-violet, which are used to mark property, tamper-proof labels, and a window sticker.  There are also various crime prevention leaflets in the pack, including 'Be Safe, Be Secure' and information on the 'Immobilise' scheme.