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Your Community is a safe place to live. Sometimes
people tend to dwell on the bad things that happen,
however crime in our region is at its lowest level for
many years and continues to fall.
Fear of Crime is greater than the reality of it.
Older people often feel even more vulnerable. We
believe it is important that you should feel 'safe as
houses'.
By following our simple advice, you will be helping
all of us to beat the criminal. Five minutes of your
time and we'll explain how:
If someone calls at your door...
- Are you expecting
them? If not, remain alert. Check to see who it is
by looking through the door viewer (if you have one)
or look through a window.
- Put the door chain
on before opening the door (have one fitted if you
don't already have one - they only cost a few
pounds).
- Fitting an outside
light allows you to see someone outside, and helps
find the keyhole in the dark!
- If someone turns up
unexpectedly, do not let them in. Genuine callers
will not be offended and will be happy to call
another day, having made an appointment.
- Don't allow anyone
to put you under pressure to let them in. Genuine
people do not call asking for a drink of water or to
use the toilet. They may be out to take advantage
of your generous nature. Do not be fooled.
- People may call
offering to do work on your home or help you with
your garden. They may tell you that you need some
urgent maintenance to the roof etc... Politely tell
them you do not need their services. Later, once
they have gone, check with a neighbour, friend or
relative whether there really is a problem. If work
needs doing, reputable companies can be selected
through the yellow pages, or ask a neighbour to
recommend someone. They provide full written
quotations which you can take time to compare
against each other. It may be helpful to have
someone else with you when builders or workmen first
come to inspect your house.
- If you are worried
about someone who has called at your house or any
other matter, contact your local Police Station who
will be able to assist you.
If in doubt, keep them out.
When you're away...
- Make your home appear occupied when out or away by
using timer switches to operate lamps or leave
lights on.
- Windows - fit key operated window locks to all
downstairs windows. These can be bought from DIY
shops and cost just a few pounds each.
- House Alarm - an alarm will give you peace of mind
that your home is protected when you are out. There
are many to choose from and we strongly advise you
to contact the police who will be able to advise you
which one is best for you.
- Door Entry Systems - if you live in a block of flats
that have a door entry system, please ensure that
strangers are never free to enter. Never buzz
anyone into the block who says they have come to see
someone else unless you know them well.
- Spare Keys - do not leave them under a doormat or in
a flower pot outside the door. They should be left
with a neighbour in case of emergency.
- Door Locks - there are so many different kinds, it
can be difficult to know which are the best. Your
local police crime prevention officer will be able
to advise you. External doors should be locked at
night. Do not lock internal doors as you need to be
able to get our quickly in case of a fire.
- Sheds & Garages - these often contain tools which
someone could use to attack your home. Make sure
all outbuildings are well secured with a padlock.
Postcoding your property can help deter thieves...
Marking your property can deter burglars and help
the police to get your property back to you if it is
stolen.
Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
Your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme will be able
to advise and help you arrange to fit any of the
security items mentioned above.
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