Burglaries and theft

Try to make life as difficult as you can for a possible burglar. Anything that delays people getting into your home quickly will help prevent a burglary. Few burglars will try to get into a house or flat when someone is at home, so try to create the impression that you are in at all times. Report all burglaries to the police and get a crime number.

When you move in, put up curtains as soon as possible (temporary ones if necessary). It makes your home look lived in and people are less likely to break in.

Fit a security chain on the front door so you can check the identity of a visitor. You may need to get out quickly in an emergency, so avoid leaving it on.You should get a viewer fitted in your front door (a piece of glass at eye level) so you can see who is calling without opening the door.

In buildings with shared access, never let strangers in unless you are sure they are genuine callers.

Always ask to see the identification card of any person you do not know who calls to visit you on official business before you let them in.

When you go out, close all windows and lock both front and back doors and your windows.

• Never leave your key under the doormat or hanging on a string behind the letterbox.
• Don’t leave notes on the door saying you are out.
• Never leave keys in a secret hiding place – thieves can usually find them.
• Always cancel milk and newspapers before you go away.
• Phone the police if you are at all suspicious.

You can improve your chances of getting your property back by keeping a list of serial numbers and taking photos of valuable items. You can use an ultra-violet pen to write your house number and postcode on valuables.

We also strongly recommend that you take out contents insurance to protect your valuables.

You can get more advice about protecting your home from the crime prevention officer at your local police station.

Vandalism

Please phone our Help Desk as a soon as you see acts of vandalism, and contact the police and get a crime number.

Try to remember as many details of the incident as possible.

If possible, take notes or photographs. We may need a statement from you or evidence (or both) so we can prosecute the vandals.