Securing your home
The best way to avoid a burglary at your home is to make it as difficult as possible for someone to gain access by carrying out a few simple security measures.
Keep doors and windows locked ? Many burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves. A burglar can squeeze through a very small open window and windows above a flat roof are particularly vulnerable.
- Doors should be solid and fitted with hinge bolts and a five-lever mortise deadlock which will make it very difficult for burglars to open the door ? even once they are inside.
- You should get specialist advice on fitting locks to patio doors. They should have bolts top and bottom and an anti-lift device to stop a thief from simply lifting the door off its rail.
- Never leave spare keys under things like doormats, plant-pots or dustbins ? it is the first place a thief will look ? leave them with someone you trust.
Burglar Alarms
Personal Safety
Fortunately, the risk of being the victim of a personal crime is relatively small and Bury is still considered to be a safe place to live and work. However, taking precautions will enable you to minimise your risk even more.
Mobile Phone Security
If your phone is stolen, report your number to your network operator and the police ? the handset can then be barred on all networks and will be useless to thieves.
- You can help protect your mobile phone if you register your phone with your network operator. Record your IMEI number and your phone. Your IMEI number can be accessed by keying *#06# into most phones or by looking behind the battery of the phone.
- Report the number of your stolen phone to your network operator and the police as quickly as you can.
Vehicle Crime
As with home security, there are steps you can take to minimise this risk.
- Never leave your car unlocked. Keep windows and the sunroof closed when you leave your car.
- Don't leave anything on show, no matter how small the item, but particularly mobile phones, cameras or bags offer too much temptation for most car thieves.
- Always remember to take the keys out of the ignition, even if you are parked on your driveway and do not leave your keys in the ignition when defrosting your car.
- Try to park your car in a well-lit place such as under a lamppost or in a car park that is patrolled or has a CCTV system. Once parked, double check you have locked it securely and remove the stereo if possible.
- It is wise to invest in an extra security device such as an immobiliser, alarm and steering lock. Be careful when buying a used car.
- You could also consider having the vehicle AA or RAC inspected. Whilst at home, try to make sure you do not leave the car keys near to the front door.
- Try to keep your car keys in a safe place even whilst at home. This way the thief if able to take your car with the minimum of noise and you may not even know your car has been stolen until you go outside to use it.
Bicycles are an easy target for thieves as they can easily be sold on.
- Always lock your bike, even if you are only leaving it for a few seconds and try to lock it to something solid like a lamppost.
- Mark the frame with your postcode and arrange to get it registered with the Police.
Motorbikes are a favourite with the vehicle thief.
- Always lock your bike and try to use an extra device to lock it to something solid.
- Arrange to have your motorbike marked with the vehicle identification number (VIN) or your postcode and have this engraved somewhere discreet
Bogus Callers - door step safety
Bogus callers are people who trick their way into people's homes with the intention of stealing money or property. These people often work in teams of two or more and they usually prey on people who are elderly or vulnerable.
- Bogus callers can be anyone and use many guises to gain entry to your home, they often pretend to be Council Officials, workmen from the gas or water board, or even the police. Remember, most official companies will send you a letter first. It is not impolite to refuse entry, even to official-looking callers.
- Always use your door-chain or door-bar when answering the door. Think about investing in a door viewer and an outside light.
- Always ask to see the caller's identity card and check it thoroughly. If you still feel unsure you can telephone the company to verify their story. Anyone who is genuine will not mind you doing this.
- Bogus workmen may try to carry out unnecessary repairs on your home and can be quite persistent and convincing. If a workman says you need repairs, tell them you will get some quotes for the work from other companies and get back to them.
- Ask your utility/energy providers (e.g. water board or electricity supplier) about any 'Extra Care' schemes which they have. They can provide you with a password unique to you. If in doubt ? keep them out If you are suspicious ? ring the police.
