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Home Security

Most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves. In 2 out of 10 burglaries they do not even have to use force; they enter through an open door or window. Look at your home through the burglar’s eyes. Are there places where they could break in unseen? Have you fitted strong locks on your doors and windows? Would they have to make a lot of noise by breaking glass?

Reduce the risk of burglary happening to you by taking a few simple precautions. Firstly try and make it difficult to gain unauthorised access.

Doors

If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Remember, if in doubt, keep them out!

• Fit a door viewer and a chain to enable you to identify callers before opening the door.
• Make sure the doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Doors should be made of solid core construction – 44 mm thick and have three hinges.
• Fit back and front doors with a five lever mortice deadlock that conforms to British Standard 3621 and use it.
• Fit both French doors, top and bottom with a security mortice bolt. If you have an integral door to the garage, this should be of solid core construction and locked with a five lever mortice lock that conforms to British Standard 3621, and two mortice bolts.
• Consider replacing glass panels with laminated glass.
• If the letterbox is close to lock mechanisms fit an internal security letterbox flap.
• Get specialist advice on fitting locks to patio doors, which should also have anti lift blocks.

Windows

A third of burglars gain entry through a back window. Easily visible locks may deter some thieves. A window lock forces the thief to break the glass and risks attracting attention.

• Fit key operated window locks to all downstairs windows, especially those that cannot be seen from the street and easily accessible upstairs windows, eg: those above a flat roof or next to drainpipes.
• Remember to remove keys from locked windows and to keep them out of sight in a safe place. (Ensure other members of the household are aware of the location of the keys).
• Louvre windows are especially vulnerable because the slats can be removed easily from the frame. Glue the slats in place with an epoxy resin and fit a special louvre lock or replace with a conventional window.
• If you are replacing windows consider laminated glass.
• As a last resort, consider fitting security grilles to vulnerable windows. Many DIY shops now sell decorative wrought iron grilles.
• Do not think that wired glass is strong. It is fire not security glass.

Around your home

• Never leave keys in a hiding place such as under the doormat or a flowerpot.
• If you move house, consider fitting new door locks.
• If you have a common alleyway, speak to your neighbour about sharing the cost of fitting a strong lockable high gate across the entrance.

Lighting

Good lighting can deter a thief. Fit exterior lights to front and back doors with automatic controls. Most burglaries happen when your home is empty so: Ensure your home looks occupied. Use time switches to turn on lights and radios when you are out.

Garages, Sheds, Fences and Gates

Often expensive tools ideal for breaking into the house are kept here.

• Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked. Fit with a strong padlock and ensure the door is solid enough not to be kicked in.
• Lock ladders up inside – or chain or padlock them, horizontally, to a sturdy bracket on an outside wall.
• Check weak spots such as a low or sagging fence, or a back gate with a weak lock
• A thorny hedge along the boundary would be a deterrent, but check for height and condition.

Burglar Alarms

Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice. There any many systems on the market, ranging from cheap DIY alarms to more sophisticated alarms costing hundreds of pounds.

• Get specialist advice and a number of quotes.
• Consult your insurance company for the companies they recommend before deciding which suits your needs. The system should meet British Standards.

General

Postcode your property, mark items with an indelible or ultra violet identification showing your postcode and number of your home or use tamperproof stickers. Take pictures of valuable items, write down serial numbers of your TV, video, computer, etc.

• Do not tempt the thief. Keep all valuable items out of sight.
• Do not advertise your absence when you are on holiday, or even when out at work or shopping.
• Get a friend or neighbour to make the place look lived in when you are away by collecting your post and drawing your curtains at night. Be prepared to do the same for them.
• Are you fully insured? Many insurance companies offer reduced rates to NW Scheme members.
• A secure home will reduce the chance of burglary. But if you suffer an intrusion, do not investigate yourself. Go to a neighbour’s house and phone ‘999’ straight away.

Be neighbourly. If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the Police. If you want Crime Reduction advice, contact your local Crime Reduction Officer or CWLC who will be pleased to assist you.

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Distraction Burglary

The police call them distraction or artifice burglaries… and they are committed by offenders who have become known as “bogus callers.”

These people are devious; they do their homework, share information among themselves – and, in the main, target elderly, vulnerable people.

The most common method they use to con their way into a home is by posing as a bogus official, usually from a utility company, a local government department or even a police officer.

Other ploys to gain access include the need to make an urgent telephone call, a request for help or even having lost a football in the back garden of the property.

Often, these bogus callers operate in pairs – and while one distracts the householder by, for example, engaging them in conversation, the other goes upstairs and searches for valuables or money.

Statistics show that the typical victim is most likely to be an elderly female living alone. These victims are actively targeted because of the presumption that they will have some cash in the house – or knowledge that they have either through signs in the house or through information from other criminals.

Suffolk Police has successfully operated a campaign against this specific crime, which has resulted in the reduction of ‘Bogus Caller’ offences. Partnerships have been formed involving a number of groups including NW to raise awareness of this type of crime – and to encourage householders to stop these people gaining access to their property.

It is important that people are aware of the tricks of the ‘Bogus Callers.’

The Home Office recommended equipment to support personal safety is contained in the leaflet advising ‘STOP, CHAIN, CHECK’.

For practical advice on how to secure a home, contact your local Crime Reduction Officer.

STOP Are you expecting anybody? Do they have an appointment?
CHAIN Secure the door bar or chain before opening the door.
CHECK Ask for and double-check the callers I.D