Neighbourhood Crime Prevention Advice

Domestic Burglary

Domestic burglary is the act of entering a building where people live, such as a house flat, caravan, with the intention of committing a crime like theft or to inflict harm. It can also include attempted burglary or instances where a person enters the dwelling as a trespasser or instances where a person enters the dwelling as a trespasser and either steals or attempts to steal something or inflicts or attempts to inflict grievous bodily harm.

Security Measures

Everyday Home Security

• Close and lock windows and doors
• Ensure doors to your home are always locked
• Install a double lock or deadlock
• Ensure door keys are kept out of sight
• Keep bags and valuables away from letter boxes and cat flaps
• Ensure valuables such as jewellery, cash and electronics are out of sight
• Ensure packaging from expensive items is not visible
• Hide or put away any equipment that could be used as a tool to break in (e.g. ladders, garden equipment, bricks)
• Trim tall hedges, trees or shrubs around the perimeter to eliminate hiding spots
• Ensure sheds, side gates, garages and outbuildings are locked
• Install garage and shed locks and ensure they're secure

Surveillance & Alarms

• Install CCTV Cameras
• Install dummy CCTV Cameras
• Install a doorbell camera
• Install and activate window sensors
• Install sensored external lights
• Install a home alarm and ensure it's on

Inventory & Documentation

• Create a written log including a photographic record of any sentimental or valuable items

Community & Awareness

• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch group

Holiday Precautions

• If going away for an extended period, let your trusted neighbours know, so they can keep an eye on your property for unusual activity
• Install lights on a switch timer or smart bulb with timer
• Install a switch timer to turn on your TV or radio
• Cancel newspaper and milk deliveries
• Ask trusted neighbours to park on your drive or close curtains after dark
• Ensure social media posts are private and only visible to close friends

Distraction Burglary

Distraction burglary occurs when someone pretends to be someone, they are not to gain entry to your home.

Common methods used by distraction burglars are:

• Pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak
• Seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell
• Claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly
• Working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home

Crime Reduction Methods

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door as genuine callers won’t mind.
• Use your door viewer to see who it is and if you recognise them
• Always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting someone into the house
• Use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. Close the door while you do this
• If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there
• For pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up