Keeping yourself safe

The best ways to minimise the risks of crime are by taking sensible precautions. Most people already do this as part of their everyday lives, often without realising it. Sensible precautions limit risk and reduce crime. This guide is aimed at informing people of some of the very straightforward ways in which they can reduce crime for themselves and their community.

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.

How to deal with bogus callers

Bogus callers are burglars who try to trick or con their way into your home - they often pretend to be on official business from respectable concerns such as gas, electricity or water companies or from the Council. They may also claim to be tradesmen calling to carry out urgent repairs on your property, or simply individuals with a plausible sounding reason to seek access to your property - eg looking for a lost cat.

 

Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable. Follow these simple steps to make sure they are who they claim to be:

  • Think before you open the door.  Devices are available which enable you to check the caller without opening the door. If you decide to open the door, always put the chain on until you are absolutely sure the caller in genuine. For more advice on security devices, please contact your local crime prevention officer on 01992 533477.
  • Ask for their identity card - genuine tradesmen should carry an identity card with their photograph. If you are still unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent (obtain the telephone number from the telephone directory, not their ID cards as this may be a false number).
  • Beware of callers who attempt to distract you and make you leave your house - they may have an accomplice waiting to get in.
  • If you are not convinced the caller is genuine, do not let them in. Ask the caller to return at an arranged time and ask for the friend or relative to be present on their return.
  • Treat every stranger with caution; never be embarrassed to turn someone away.
  • In an emergency, always dial 999

 

Personal Safety advice

  • Stick to busy and well-lit areas
  • Avoid short cuts through quiet, unlit, secluded or wooded areas and alleyways
  • Use safe crossings across the roads for those nervous of using subways
  • Try to keep with friends rather than walk alone
  • Don't speak to strangers, but do try to be friendly with the other 'locals'
  • Stay alert
  • Don't use personal stereo headphones whilst walking or jogging because you may not be able to hear someone approaching
  • Make sure someone knows where you are going and tell them when you've arrived
  • Take a mobile phone with you if you have one, but don't flash it around.

 

Securing your car

Taking some simple steps can help to protect your vehicle from thieves:

  • Remember that your vehicle is like a shop window for thieves: if you can see any of your property left in the vehicle, you are inviting the opportunist thief to steal them.  If you have to leave items in your car, put them out of sight (eg the boot) at the start of your journey as thieves may be watching you park.
  • Always lock and close doors, sunroofs and windows and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended, even for a short time.
  • Always lock the doors and close the windows, including the sunroof, when you leave the car, even if it is only left unattended for a couple of minutes.  Also ensure any security devices have been fitted such as steering wheel locks and alarms/ immobilisers have been set.
  • Never leave keys in an unattended vehicle; criminals target cars at petrol stations, shops, outside schools etc - situations where the driver is most likely to just pop out the car and leave it vulnerable to theft.
  • Don't leave anything on display - even a jacket or plastic bag can seem like an appealing target to a thief.  Car radios, CDs, laptop computers, mobile phones, cash and briefcases are popular targets.  Tools in any vehicles are also at risk.
  • Christmas is always a good time for thieves - people are in a rush or stressed at this time and forget to lock cars, put alarms on and even leave their shopping on display - keep all shopping out of sight in the boot and ensure your car is secure.
  • Property from vehicles is often sold to local handlers and then sold on to the public - if you have any information concerning stolen vehicles or property taken from vehicles you can contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 (calls are anonymous).
  • Never leave your car documents or personal documents in your car.
  • Never store spare car keys inside the vehicle - keep them in a safe place at home and out of sight, however never store them near the front door - thieves break into properties or use a rod through a letterbox to specifically steal car keys from hallways.
  • When you park remove the stereo if you can and take it with you.  Do not leave it in the glove compartment.
  • Fit a tamper proof tax disc holder - stolen discs may be used on illegal and often unroadworthy vehicles.
  • To try and discourage vandalism to the car - tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down if possible.
  • Visibly mark 'in car entertainment' systems and other accessories that you might have in your car frequently with a permanent marker pen.
  • Think about having the windows etched with the vehicle registration number and make a note of its chassis number.
  • Consider fitting a car alarm.
  • Most vehicle crimes occur on street so driveway parking is safer if possible especially if you have lockable gates.  Another safer option is parking in a secured and alarmed garage attached to your property - remote garage blocks and courtyards won't benefit from casual observation that deters criminals.
  • Poor lighting, overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges and high walls provide cover for criminals so ensure that trees and bushes are pruned, security lighting is installed and any street lighting that is not working is reported for repair.