tenant information - crime prevention
There are many ways in which you can make yourself and your family safe, protect your possessions and help your community reduce crime and the fear of crime.
Be wary of unknown callers. Always ask for their identification card, and check this closely before allowing anyone into your home.
Burglars like easy opportunities and if they have to make a lot of noise or spend a lot of time, the chances are they won’t bother. Burglars do not like locked windows because breaking glass attracts attention.
They also do not like doors fitted with security deadlocks because they can only be opened with a key and if they entered through a window they cannot even open the door from the inside to leave.
We are gradually improving security in our properties by fitting better locks and windows when existing ones need replacing and specifying higher standards in new build schemes.
Many tenants, however, choose to make their own additional safety measures and our consent is not required for this type of work.
The Police have provided some useful advice which is set out here. Click on the link below.
Your home
Your car
Neighbourhood watch
You and your family
Your home
Windows
Two thirds of all burglars get in through windows so you may wish to fit window locks.
There are locks for every kind of window some costing as little as £3 - £4.00 each.
If you are unable to afford locks for all your windows fit them to the most vulnerable ones first.
Doors
Some locks are better than others. The simple night latch provides little protection particularly if you have glass in or near to the door.
Security deadlocks are therefore desirable on external doors which can then only be opened with a key.
It is advisable to fit bolts at the top and bottom of the door. Spy locks and chains are available from the police. Please contact your local police station.
Possessions
Marked property is less attractive to burglars and the Police can return it to the owners if it is recovered. The best identification to use is your post code followed by the number of your house or flat.
Easy to use security pens are available for about £2.00 from good stationers. In some cases the Police will engrave your property for you and will also post code your bicycle.
Your car
Over 1.5 million cars are broken into or stolen each year, so always lock your car when you leave it, take your valuables with you, or discretely lock them out of sight in the boot and close the windows completely.
At night it is advisable to park in a well lit street and extra security such as an alarm or immobiliser can be fitted at a reasonable cost.
We also have garages to let and remember that if you can lock your car in a garage at night then this will reduce your insurance premium.
Neighbourhood Watch
There are now numerous neighbourhood watch schemes that help to reduce crime. They help everyone (except the criminal).
If you would like to form a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme the local Police are the people to talk to.
You and your family
95% of crimes are against property, it is the remaining 5% - assault, mugging and rape for example - that causes most comment and concern.
There are however some sensible precautions that you and your family can adopt to help minimise the risk of being attacked.
Avoid short cuts through dimly lit alleys and across waste ground.
Avoid isolated bus stops and when on a bus sit near to the driver or conductor.
On a train sit in a compartment where there are lots of other people. When returning home or to your car have your keys ready.
Tell children not to talk to strangers.
Only use trusted friends as baby-sitters.
Tell children not to accept lifts with strangers.
Check the credentials of visitors.
Don’t keep large sums of cash in the house.
Always lock up when you go out even if you are only popping to the corner shop.
