Spring / Summer Burglary Advice 2021
Burglaries can often increase during the spring and summer months, when burglars look to take advantage of doors and windows being left open.
However, taking simple measures such as locking your doors and windows, not leaving valuables on display and using your house alarm can significantly reduce your chances of being a victim.
Crime prevention doesn't have to cost a lot of money - here's a few simple steps that everyone can take to improve their home security : -
- Always lock your doors and windows even when you’re at home
- Always take keys out of locks and keep them in a safe place
- Don't leave keys in reach of the letterbox or cat flap, or on view through a window
- Make sure items such as car keys, laptops, tablets, phones and cash cannot be seen through a window
- Don't leave power cables or charger units for laptops and tablets plugged in and on show
- If you're out, try to make your home look occupied by using a timer switch to control lights
- Make sure Euro cylinder locks have achieved - TS 007 (3 star rating) or Sold Secure Diamond Standard for lock cylinders (SS312)
- If you have a burglar alarm always remember to switch it on when you leave the house or when you go to bed
- Why not start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area?
Crime Prevention Checklist / Security Advice Cards
Crime Prevention Checklist 1
Euro Cylinder Locks
Love your locks. You deserve the highest standards
- Are the cylinder locks on your UPVC doors up to standard?
- Do they stick out from the door handle?
- Is the door handle secure?
Euro Cylinder Locks - Key Facts :
- All Euro Cylinder locks on the external doors to your home should either meet TS 007 (3 star rating) or Sold Secure Diamond Standard for lock cylinders (SS312)
- Door handles should meet TS 007 (2 star rating)
- Cylinders should be measured correctly and fit flush to the handle or door
- The installation of sash jammers can also act as an extra deterrent
- The Master Locksmiths Association is the industry authority for locksmiths in the UK – www.locksmiths.co.uk
- Consider setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme on your street
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officers here, or by dialing 101 and asking for your District Team.
Crime Prevention Checklist 2
Sneak-in Burglary
“I’ll lock the door when I’ve finished my tea.”
“We just lock the door before we go to bed.”
“I just leave my bags and laptop by the door when I get in……..”
Sound familiar?
Sneak-in Burglary - Key Facts :
- Doors and windows should be locked at all times – it only takes 60 seconds or someone to reach through an open door or window
- Lock the doors, take the key out, don’t leave it on view or in reach of a letterbox or cat flap
- Always know where the house key is in case you need to get out in an emergency
- Don’t leave bags, laptops, tablets or keys just inside the door
- Make sure everyone in your home gets into the habit of being more secure
- Consider setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme on your street
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officers here, or by dialing 101 and asking for your District Team.
Crime Prevention Checklist 3
Patio Doors
Patio doors...
or a shop window to your home?
Are your patio doors a bit secluded?
Are they as secure as they could be?
Do you leave attractive items on view through them?
Patio Doors - Key Facts :
- If you’re buying new patio doors make sure they meet PAS 24 standards
- Can your existing patio doors be lifted off their tracks and out of position? Keep them locked and the key in a safe
- place, rather than left in the lock
- If your patio doors have euro cylinder locks on them make sure they meet current standards – TS 007 (3 star rating) or Sold Secure Diamond standard for lock cylinders (SS312)
- Don’t leave attractive items on view through your patio doors – i.e. tablets, laptops or car keys
- A range of devices are available to improve patio door security – always consult your local Crime Prevention Officer to determine the best options for you
- Consider setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme on your street
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officers here, or by dialing 101 and asking for your District Team.
Crime Prevention Checklist 4
Car Security
Show your car you care
Park safely, lock it & hide your keys
Is your car your pride and joy?
The biggest purchase after your house?
Are you doing everything you can to secure and protect it?
Car Security - Key Facts :
- If you’ve got a garage use it to park your car in, instead of using it as a storage room
- Lock the car, check the door handle before walking away and don’t leave the car keys on show or near a letterbox or cat flap
- All euro cylinder locks on the external doors to your home should either meet TS 007 (3 star rating) or Sold Secure Diamond Standard for lock cylinders (SS312)
- Check out www.thatcham.com to see what additional security measures may be available for your car
- CCTV and good exterior lighting could also deter an offender
- Consider setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme on your street
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officers here, or by dialing 101 and asking for your District Team.
Crime Prevention Checklist 5
Burglary Prevention Advice
Don’t advertise your stuff
Put it out of sight locked up day & night
“I was in a rush to get out?”
“I’ll just move the stuff when I get back in?”
“Nobody is really going to look through the window when I’m out are they?”
Burglary Prevention Advice - Key Facts :
- Don’t leave attractive items such as laptops, tablets, phones, car keys, cash or jewellery on view through your windows
- Make sure you remove charger plugs for tablets and power cables for laptops from view when they’re not in use
- Make sure games consoles, controllers and games can’t be seen through the window
- Packaging from expensive items should be disposed of properly, don’t leave it against the bins and potentially advertise what’s in your home
- Don’t leave bags, laptops, tablets or keys just inside the door when you get home
- Consider setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme on your street
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officers here, or by dialing 101 and asking for your District Team.
Crime Prevention Checklist 6
Garden Security
Hedge your bets
Stow the mower & the tools
Do you really need an 8 foot high hedge in front of your home?
Have you left anything in your garden that a burglar could use to break in?
Is the shed really secure?
Garden Security - Key Facts :
- Any hedges to the front of your home should not provide cover for a burglar to ‘work’ behind
- Garden tools should be locked away when you’re not using them
- Any rubble or household goods from refurbishment should be disposed of and not left in the garden
- Hostile planting could put someone off from climbing over your fence – prickly plants in your garden borders may provide a natural deterrent
- Make sure sheds, outbuildings and garages are as secure as possible
- Consider setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme on your street
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime Prevention Officers here, or by dialing 101 and asking for your District Team.