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The public are at greatest risk from
crimes such as burglary, auto crime, street crime and
vandalism. These can be reduced by a really effective
Neighbourhood Watch. Sooner or later, this effectiveness has
to be put to the test.
The first role is to observe calmly and discreetly. The very
existence of Neighbourhood Watch in your area will act as a
deterrent to many criminal types. But where someone is
acting suspiciously, it is NOT the intention that members
themselves attempt to scare off the suspect in order to
prevent the crime. Remaining calm and discreet gives you the
best possible chances of registering and reporting to police
what you have seen quickly and accurately.
The fact that many of the calls made on the police by
members will turn out to be false alarms, does not matter.
The important thing, as we have said, is that the
information supplied is reasonably accurate.
There are of course, some situations which are more urgent
than others where a 999 emergency call is essential.
Where the circumstances are less critical, the information
should be passed on to your local police station by
telephoning 0845 60 70 999. If there is any doubt, treat the
matter as serious and dial 999.
HELP AND ADVICE FOR MEMBERS
Your street Co-ordinator is the first person to ask if you
are doing things properly. He or she may also provide you
with the latest crime information through regular
newsletters - and generally keep in touch with the affairs
of the group.
Your officer on the beat is always ready to have a word with
you about anything of general concern to your immediate
vicinity. He or she will also attend to your regular group
meetings -discuss crime prevention matters and give further
advice.
HELP THE POLICE TO HELP YOU
The Police need your help in beating the criminal. They
cannot do their job properly without it. You can help best
by reporting at once anything that strikes you as
suspicious. If you saw someone being attacked or robbed you
would naturally phone the police. Ring them just the same if
you see someone lurking around your neighbour's house or
trying car doors. The police won't mind if it is a false
alarm; they would much rather take no chances.
And ring at once - seconds count.
What you should do
Dial 999. Ask for the police and tell them as much as you
can:
1. Where the incident happened.
2. The number of people involved.
3. Description of the suspects.
4. Description of the scene.
5. Registration numbers of any vehicles involved.
6. Your name and address will help but they are not
essential.
BASIC HOME SECURITY
For a Neighbourhood Watch to remain successful all members
should ensure that their property complies with a basic
security that ALL homes should have, whether or not they are
part of a Neighbourhood Watch. All external doors and ground
floor windows must have proper locks suitable for the type
of frame. Any other window or point of entry which are
accessible, such as those above flat roofs, should also be
secure. During the Summer months many of us like windows
left open most of the time. Remember this when buying locks
so that the window can be locked in the open position. All
locks should be secured with screws of an adequate length to
prevent them being levered off
External doors, in addition to having a good quality
deadlock, must have a door chain and should have a door
viewer if the glass in the door does not allow the occupant
to see who is calling. Hinge bolts give added reinforcement.
If thieves have to break glass to gain entry then they are
restricted in what they can take away if they have to exit
in the same way. Keys allow them to open doors and walk away
with everything. Keep keys out of door locks, out of sight.
Lighting is also very important both inside your house and
out. It is essential that you give the impression that
someone is at home. Table lamps can have timeswitches
plugged in and left on permanently so that, for whatever
reason you do not switch your lights on at dusk, they are
still activated automatically. Similarly, an exterior
bulkhead lamp should give lighting to that vulnerable area
to the side and the rear of your property to prevent anyone
skulking there. Not only is it a deterrent but it also adds
to your personal safety in that you can see outside during
the hours of darkness before opening the door.
Property marking also deters the opportunist thief as it
makes the stolen article very difficult to sell and easy to
identify. The leaflet you were given at the outset, shows
different ways of marking. The easiest and perhaps the most
effective is the use of an invisible security marker pen.
The marking lasts about two years before needing to be done
again and gives the thief the headache of not knowing where
the mark is. All your valuables can be marked in this way in
about half an hour and a pen cost about £2-50p
Very often, even with all the above security equipment,
householders still fall foul to confidence tricksters by
being gullible and failing to check out strangers before
opening the door. These people prey on the elderly and
infirm knowing they cannot physically resist. Hopefully,
Neighbourhood Watch, with its regular bulletins and crime
related literature, creates a more wary approach which helps
to prevent this type of nasty crime.
Remember, many of your valuable possessions could have a
sentimental value far above a monetary one and can never be
replaced.
PROPERTY MARKING
- Pens Available from Ray
You have now, (hopefully) - had delivery of your
Neighbourhood Watch literature and possibly read the leaflet
on property marking.
The Metropolitan Police are, currently, storing millions of
pounds worth of property which, because it is not marked, is
almost impossible to restore to the owners. If your property
is marked with your post code and your house number then you
stand a much better chance of it being restored to you if it
is lost or stolen. All property that comes into the hands of
the Police is searched for any identifying marks or clues as
to the owner.
If you have any property that is likely to be stolen, then
it is worth marking it with your postcode and house number.
Take a look round your home, shed or garage. It won't take
long to do the lot. Don't forget, the Police can help with
the marking of pedal cycles. Don't forget that for items
that cannot be marked, such as antiques, valuable soft toys
etc., photographs should be taken to aid identification. A
list of serial numbers is also useful, as the police may ask
for these if you report a theft.
PROPERTY MARKING
Many of you by now have undertaken property marking. This
has proved to be a valuable deterrent against crime. No
thief wants property that is so easily identifiable that it
is just too hot for him to handle. In addition, if marked
property is recovered by police it can quickly be identified
and restored to the owner. For those of you who have not yet
carried this out, it is a simple and inexpensive operation
and can generally be completed in a short space of time. For
those who already benefit from property marking, remember to
mark recently purchased items and some Christmas presents
will need your attention too. Many Neighbourhood Watch
groups now have access to property marking kits containing a
range of marking products. Your local Crime Prevention
Officers are also available to offer advice on all aspect of
property marking and, indeed, is available to offer free
advice on any matter connected with crime prevention.
DON'T FORGET TO DISPLAY THE' PROPERTY MARKED' STICKER SO
THAT ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE CONTEMPLATING THEFT WILL THINK
AGAIN.
ARE YOU INVITING CRIME?
Check out your home - check locks of ground floor doors and
windows, especially at the rear. Check that upstairs window
overlooking flat roofs have locks. It is also important to
ensure that your patio doors have effective locks and that
they cannot be lifted off their runners by a garden spade.
Make sure your shed and garage are locked when you are out
and don't leave the burglar with a ready assortment of
implements to break in. If the rear of your house is
secluded then you should consider trimming back some of the
surrounding greenery so that the villain stands a chance of
being seen.
COSTS THROUGH THE ROOF
OR
PUT IT ON THE SLATE?
OR
BEWARE OF ROOF REPAIR AND DRIVE SURFACING CON-MEN
It has now become clear that there are more groups of
con-men trying their luck in the vicinity. A common approach
is for someone to knock at your door and say to you:
"I'm doing other work in the area and I noticed that your
roof (or drive) needed attention."
THAT MOMENT IS THE TlME FOR YOU TO SAY 'NO THANK YOU - I DO
NOT WANT ANYTHING DONE'.
Do not even let them do a free inspection of your roof -
they will probably only be intent on removing a tile or
doing some other damage which will have to be repaired.
Our advice is for residents to get these people off their
premises as soon as possible and to let the Police have a
description of them and any vehicle they may be using. This
way we might be able to help protect others in future.
When at home, ask all unfamiliar callers for some
identification and check their credentials if possible.
Fit a door chain and viewer so that you can see who is
outside before opening the door.
Beware of builders calling and offering their unsolicited
services for some repair or maintenance they say is needed
to your property. There is no guarantee that the work needs
doing and certainly there is no guarantee afterwards. The
elderly are often charged exorbitant sums for little or no
work. Get a reputable builder to check if you are told that
such things as ridge tiles, chimney flashing and roof slates
are loose.
SECURING YOUR HOME
Is your home attractive to the opportunist thief? All
householders within Neighbourhood Watch areas should have
reasonable basic security. Advice is freely available from
your Community Officer and Crime Prevention Officers. You
should also remember to use security already installed. It
is easy to relax that security by thinking that we are only
going to be "one minute". That minute is all the opportunist
thief needs. Neighbours and friends can be called upon to
keep an eye on your home while you are away, by clearing
letter boxes, mowing the front lawn and generally giving the
appearance of the house being occupied.
STICKER FADE HOW'S YOUR STICKER?
Has your sticker disappeared or become faded? If so, contact
your street or area co-ordinator for a new one.
The sticker indicates that you are security minded, your
property is identifiable and you are alert to the need to
keep an eye on neighbour's property.
This brings us onto unwarranted and bogus callers at the
door. NEVER open the door to any person unknown to you, no
matter how friendly they appear. ALWAYS use your telescopic
door viewer and then your door chain. Identification of an
unknown caller is vital before letting them enter. If you
are in any doubt at all then do not open the door.
WATCH OUT FOR THE DOORSTEP CONMEN CONFIDENCE tricksters,
maybe known more commonly as conmen, come in all shapes and
sizes - male and female, young and old.
Their objective is to steal from unsuspecting persons,
particularly the elderly.
This offence, known to the police as burglary artifice, and
is still much too prevalent.
You must remain on your guard to ensure that complacency is
not allowed to creep in.
Some of the methods used by young people to gain entry to
your home include asking to use the toilet, for a glass of
water, or to look for a dog or ball in the back garden.
Adult confidence tricksters may claim to represent Social
Services, the Council, or the gas, water or electricity
boards.
They trick their way in to steal such things as cash,
jewellery, pension and benefit books, cheque books and cards
and savings books.
We ask that you take these simple precautions to defeat the
confidence trickster:
ALWAYS answer the door with the chain in place;
NEVER invite anyone in without an appointment;
NEVER keep large sums of money in the house;
ALWAYS check the identity of service industry callers by
asking for your account number;
ALWAYS deal with reputable tradesmen and never part with
money on the promise of work to be done.
WHEN IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT AND CALL
THE POLICE SECURITY CHECKLIST
An Englishman's home may be his castle, but does he take the
trouble to defend it? Nine out of ten break-ins are through
insecure doors and windows. You don't have to live in a
fortress to deter thieves - just take a few precautions.
What you have to do to make and keep your home safe? Take
direct action now to prevent yourself from becoming a victim
of burglary! Use this checklist.
* When you go out, secure all windows in the house. Thieves
can gain access through the smallest window.
* Never leave windows open a few inches so that pets can get
in and out, Burglars find this useful too.
* Windows near flat roofs are particularly vulnerable. Never
leave lavatory windows open when you are out. They are often
close to drainpipes which allow thieves to climb up.
Consider using anti-climb paint.
* Fit good locks to all accessible windows.
* Never leave your door key under the mat, flower pot or
hanging on a string behind the letterbox. Thieves always
look in these places first.
* Make sure the inside latch of your front door can't be
opened through the letterbox - fit a deadlock to the door
* Remember thieves have to get in and out. If your back door
locks with a key, remove the key and use the door bolts.
* Keep your shed, garage and external stores locked. Tools
are valuable and can be used to gain access.
* Never leave ladders lying about - clamp or padlock them to
something secure.
* Leave a light on and illuminate dark areas around your
house - burglars don't like lights
* Make sure that your house and contents are adequately
insured.
GARAGES AND GARDEN SHEDS
In many cases burglars use tools and garden implements from
sheds and garages to break into houses. Ensure your
outbuildings are secure and that items such as ladders are
unable to be utilised by the thief.
SIDE PASSAGES
Stop a thief from getting to the rear of your house where he
can work undisturbed. Fit a strong, high gate with trellis
above if necessary. Shared sideways can also mean shared
cost and shared security.
a) MARK YOUR PROPERTY
OR
b) VALUABLE MARKING
OR
c) DETER A THIEF PROPERTY marking is a simple way to mark
all your possessions with your postcode and house number.
This deters a thief, helps in the return of stolen property,
and also helps the police to achieve successful
prosecutions.
Stickers indicate that the contents of your home have been
property marked. If you need more advice, contact your
street or area co-ordinator.
CYCLE CODING
We all know how expensive children's bicycles are. These are
always a target for opportunist thieves and your sons and
daughters must be constantly reminded to secure them
whenever they are left unattended - even for a quick visit
to the sweet shop. It is well worth coding all cycles with
the postcode and house number of the owner to make then
easily identifiable. This, coupled with the displayed' Cycle
Coded ' sticker, is a good deterrent. Most cycle shops will
code your cycle or you can make an appointment for it to be
done free at your local police station.
TIPS TO BEAT THE INCREASE IN AUTOCRIME
AUTOCRIME is on the increase in this area. If you can't
garage your car securely, you should always ensure that all
doors, windows and the boot are locked, and that there are
no personal possessions visible inside the car.
It is well worth investing in a security device to deter car
thieves.
BURGLARY ARTIFICE
This is the terminology used by police to describe a
burglary that has been committed by a crook commonly known
as a " conman ", who preys on householders, often using the
bogus official guise claiming to be from the Council, Water
Board or some other organisation. Possibly the caller may
offer to purchase your furniture or other items, posing as a
dealer, or even posing as a workman to check something or to
make urgent repairs. All these people have one thing in
common - to gain access to your home and steal.
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR COMMUNITY
"I didn't like to bother police. Besides, it's none of my
business"
This time it might be another home which is broken into, but
next time, it could be yours the answer is to be a good
neighbour, wherever you live by keeping an eye on your
neighbour's property as well as your own and reporting
anything suspicious to the police. They'd prefer to be safe
rather than sorry. So please - don't hesitate.
ACT NOW
Make sure you know the danger areas. Check you have the
right locks and fittings. Ensure you're not telling the
thief that you're not at home. Learn how to code your
valuables. Help to make crime more difficult in your area.
NOTHING WORTH STEALING?
Remember - that in most cases, before a burglar enters a
home he does not know what he will find to steal. He assumes
you have something he wants, and, once he is inside, he will
find something to make the risk of being caught worthwhile.
It may be cash or jewellery, TV's or videos, home computers,
cameras or antiques. These days even the contents of an
average home freezer are worth a second look to a thief,
especially if it is unlocked. Look around your own home -
you value your possessions, the chances are the thief will
as well.
SECURING YOUR HOME
To reduce the attractiveness of their homes to the
opportunist thief householders can be given advice on how to
improve their security. We also encourage house - holders to
use security already installed - it is so easy to think that
we are only going to be ' a minute ' - that one minute is
all the opportunist thief needs. Neighbours and friends can
be called upon to keep an eye on your home whilst you are
away by pushing literature through the letterbox, cutting
the grass for you and tending the flowerbeds in general.
TIME SWITCHES for lights are also a way of keeping your home
secure - together with a radio playing music (but not too
loudly!).
CAR OWNERS BEWARE
The trend at the moment is still theft from motor vehicles.
As a result countless car owners are left standing massively
out of pocket. Most car thieves succeed because we make it
easy for them. If you leave your valuables or that expensive
sound system on display, they will be stolen! If you leave
your vehicle in the street, locking it may not suffice. If
the thief spots something worth stealing then he will smash
a window to get in. A car alarm is the most reliable
deterrent and free advice on car alarms can be obtained from
the Crime Prevention Officers at your local Police Station.
A) NEVER GIVE UP
or
B) KEEP A WATCH
Bear in mind that a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can succeed
only if the interest and enthusiasm of the residents is
maintained. Evidence from America suggests that this becomes
more of a problem with time, or in high - crime areas, where
people can easily become dispirited. But burglars never give
up so neither should the rest of us.
HOW TO COPE WITH DOORSTEP SALESMEN
I feel it is important to explain the procedure people
should adopt when answering the door and the security
fittings required to do it properly.
FRONT DOOR SECURITY
Good quality locks should be fitted, together with a door
chain, and a wide angled eye viewer if you cannot see who is
outside your door before you open it.
PROCEDURE
1. Look at all callers to see if you know them, BEFORE you
unlock the door.
2. Speak to strangers through the locked door and ascertain
what they want.
3. If they are offering some service or goods that you do
not want, say "No thank you " through the locked door. In no
circumstances open the door or let them in.
4. If you think that you might have to let them in, if they
claim that they are from the Gas or Electricity Board and
have come to read the meter, put the chain on the door
before opening it and ask to see their identification and if
you are in the password scheme, ask for your personal
password. If they cannot supply either, DON'T LET THEM IN.
HOLIDAY ADVICE
Knowing your house is secure and being looked after does
give you peace of mind while away. It then only remains to
ensure the added daily protection of a visiting
friend/neighbour to ensure mail is pushed through the letter
box, that nothing is left on the doorstep, lighting on
timeswitches is working and that the front of your home is
tidy to the casual observer. A car (immobilised) parked in
the driveway adds to the belief that someone is at home.
Finally, never arrange to be collected from your home
address, unless by a friend, for the start of your holidays.
Use a nearby location as a pick up point and never leave
your return address in open view on your suitcases. It is
better to be home again from your holiday before anyone
realises you have gone (except for your Keyholder of
course).
SECURE YOUR DOORS
Doors have two security purposes. They stop intruders
getting in and getting out. A thief’s first job after
breaking in is to unlock a final exit door. This is for two
reasons; first if he's disturbed he needs a rapid exit and,
second, he needs an exit big enough to allow him to remove
bulky items.
The strength of a door arid its frame is the first thing to
look at. Any lock will only be as strong as the door and the
frame in which it is fitted. You should take account of the
type of door before deciding on the choice of lock. If you
are unsure, seek the advice of your local Crime Prevention
Officer.
SECURING WINDOWS
61% of burglars use windows as their point of entry. All
windows have glass in common.
Think about it, if you mislay your key how would YOU gain
entry to your own home? A thief would do the same even at
your house. But, if he sees a window lock, more often than
not he'll go away and try elsewhere.
Securing your windows is a simple and inexpensive job and
should be treated as a priority. There are many types of
locks available to suit different types of windows.
Laminated glass makes entry more difficult but professional
advice should be sought before installing as windows provide
a means of emergency exit.
PERIMETER FENCING, HEDGES GATES ETC
Suitable fencing, which need not be expensive, can be uses
to do two things -
(a) prevent the entry of children and stray dogs and
(b) define the territory of the householder. (Anyone seen
within this area, by neighbours, is therefore " suspect '.)
The danger zone is between the heights of 3ft. and 7ft. All
shrubs and hedges should be trimmed within that height zone
to improve visibility. Fences can be heightened by the
addition of trellis and all perimeter fences can be
supplemented with prickly leafed or thorned bushes behind
them. E.g. roses, holly, pyracanthus, hawthorne etc.
Side gates of houses should be level with the front building
line and have trellis fixed above them.
DOOR SECURITY
Front doors (or final exit doors) should be secured by means
of a lock to BS3621 (look for the kite mark) either mortice
or rim lock. When the door is solid and about two inches
thick then a mortice lock can be installed. Ideally, two
locks (keyed alike) should be fitted, each one situated a
third from the top and the bottom of the door. On the hinge
side can be fitted hinge bolts which are fit and forget'
items. However, if a spring latch is already fitted, then
this should be enhanced with a mortice lock. All doors
should be fitted with a door chain and viewer, the viewer
being preferably of the telescopic type for wide vision.
Rear and kitchen doors - these generally have poorer locks
and if the occupier does not wish to upgrade to a B.S. type
lock then he should be advised to fit a B.S. box striker. If
the door can be locked from the inside then locking bolts
(either rack or surface locking bolts) should also be
fitted.
Internal doors which have locks fitted should only be used
at night when the occupier is at home. It s not wise to lock
furniture unless you have to. Additionally, phone extensions
should be taken upstairs at night.
WINDOWS
All ground floor windows and any first floor accessible
windows should be fitted with a key operated window lock. If
possible, all the locks should be opened by the same key.
STAYLOCKS are only suitable for nursery windows to afford
child safety. These windows should also have a proper window
lock.
KNOCK, KNOCK,
Who's There?
The doorbell rings. An elderly lady goes to the door. She
opens the door. He's come to read the meter. He overpowers
her and robs her of her pension. She is badly injured and
greatly distressed."
A common enough story on the news or in the papers. So
common it almost escapes our attention. But it does happen -
and not just to old ladies. Everyone is at risk - it's a
common way of gaining entry. Even if the intruder is not
violent he could be sizing up your house for a return, at a
later date.
There are simple ways of avoiding it happening to you or
your family and stopping criminals getting inside knowledge.
Remember these simple points: -
Get a door chain or viewer so you can get a good view. Help
a neighbour fit one if they aren't capable on their own.
They would greatly appreciate your help.
BEFORE you open the door, check the caller out. Open the
door on the chain or use the viewer.
Check again - if you don't know them, ask to see an identity
card. Be sure to check it carefully, genuine callers won't
mind.
Confirm the reason for the call. If you aren't sure ask them
to call again and, in the meantime, ring the organisation or
company the caller claims to represent. Don't let him or her
pressure you.
If you are still unsure or suspicious PHONE THE POLICE. Tell
them exactly what happened and try to give them a
description of the caller.
BE SAFE RATHER THAN SORRY. DON'T LET
STRANGERS INTO YOUR HOME!
One of the most expensive purchases made by the average
family (other than the house) is the car, yet amazingly
people don't always ensure the vehicle is adequately
protected against theft. Some people give an open invitation
to the thief by leaving the keys in the ignition and the
doors unlocked or even leaving the engine running whilst
absent from the vehicle" for a short while".
Autocrime is considered a serious problem by the Police and
one which we they are always trying to combat. You can make
their task easier if you follow some advice: -
WHEN YOU LEAVE IT, LOCK IT
A thief is at his most vulnerable when he is trying to break
into a car.
FIT A SECURITY DEVICE
One that cuts out the ignition or the fuel or better still,
fit an alarm
REMOVE OR CONCEAL VALUABLES
If you carry valuables in the car, lock them in the boot.
Try and conceal that expensive stereo system.
HAVE THE WINDOWS ETCHED
The registration number etched into the windows wilt make it
both expensive and difficult for the thief to change the
identity of your car.
REMOVE DRIVING DOCUMENTS
Don't leave your registration document, driving licence or
insurance documents in the vehicle. They can provide the
thief with visible "proof" of ownership.
If you were to become the victim of a car thief, how well do
you know your own car? Do you know the Vehicle
identification Number? Can you supply details of the
radio/cassette serial number or of any of the accessories
you may have fitted? Can you remember any dents or
scratches, obvious signs of repair or perhaps the fitting of
a new bumper or wing? These are the clues that will help you
identify your vehicle if an attempt has been made to change
its appearance. Try to deliberately mark your car in some
way, a card tucked into the door panel or roof lining or a
deep scratch or paint mark inside the vehicle out of sight
which only you know about.
THINK IS YOUR CAR STILL WHERE YOU LEFT IT?
CONTACTING THE POLICE
The Police are often asked by members for the best number to
contact when they feel a crime is being committed. The
Police advice is think.....is it an emergency? If you are in
any doubt, dial 999. Then false alarm or not you have done
the right thing. Remember. . . Stay where you are. . . .
Continue to Watch. . . . Remain calm & do not approach
suspicious people.
Never ring your local Police station in an emergency, the
switchboards are not designed to cope. So for a speedier
response DIAL 999
PROTECTING OUR VEHICLES
Vehicle crime is one of the most prevalent crimes in our
area at this time. It usually involves the theft of any
property of value which is left within view in the vehicle.
All valuables should preferably be taken out of the vehicle
or locked in the boot. Temptation is not then placed before
the opportunist thief
Many vehicles are subjected to serious damage both during
and after entering the vehicle when thieves are intent on
stealing the radio or radio cassette and speakers. The
obvious, but expensive, answer is the fitting of a car
alarm. The cost of these varies considerably but could still
be cheaper that the bill for damage repairs. If your car is
expensive or it is your' pride and joy 'then an alarm is a
must. The most vulnerable time for these thefts is during
the hours of darkness and usually when we are asleep.
Therefore, if you have a garage, use it. If not, then try to
ensure it is parked either on a well lit driveway or
forecourt or under a street lamp.
If you fit a radio in your car make sure it is property
marked to make it identifiable. If it is stolen it makes the
thief vulnerable and the item hard to sell. A' Property
Marked' sticker placed on the car window should prevent most
' casual ' attempts.
VIOLENT CRIME is
unfortunately only too common nowadays, and women have
increasingly become victims of personal attack. Do not
assist the criminal by affording him the opportunity to
steal or injure. Some simple common-sense precautions can
reduce the risk of you becoming a victim.
When out alone always be alert. Avoid shortcuts and dark
deserted areas. Walk near the kerb and away from bushes and
buildings. Personal attack alarms are a useful deterrent,
this type of alarm emits a loud shrill noise and can easily
be carried in the hand.
Attacks on women vary in type and degree of seriousness.
Perhaps the most common is being pushed up against in a
crowd, or whilst travelling on a crowded bus or train. If
this ever happens, do not hesitate to embarrass your
attacker. A LOUD" Do you mind? "will work wonders.
Also, you may suffer from the inadequate creature who
indecently exposes himself to women. Do not forget Police
need to be told of such incidents so they too are aware.
Finally, never take unnecessary risks at home. Make sure
your house or flat is secure by fitting and using good
quality locks. Do not invite or let strangers in to your
home, make use of a door viewer and never open the door
without using the chain. Keep your curtains closed after
dark. By following these suggestions you will greatly reduce
the possibility of becoming a victim.
GOOD HABITS
OR
HABITUALLY AWARE!
1. Lock goods away in the boot of the car.
2. Keep keys in your pocket and not in your bag.
3. Don't put your purse on top of your shopping.
4. Don't carry your wallet in your back pocket.
5. Don't wear expensive jewellery or gold chains around the
neck.
6. Don't carry large amounts of cash.
7. Keep cheque cards and cheque books separate.
AT HOME
1. Beware of bogus callers at the door.
2. Check the security of your windows and doors.
3. Fit time switches to put lights on when it gets dark.
4. Lock or padlock your side or rear gate.
5. If you are going away for Christmas ask someone to keep
an eye on your home and inform your neighbours and Police.
It is often difficult to think of a suitable present at
Christmas. Have you considered a security gift? How about a
car alarm, steering lock, locking wheel nuts, locking petrol
cap, window etching, personal alarm, a key operated safe
place for valuables or a property marking kit.
Remember your Crime Prevention Officer can visit you to give
a free security survey.
PROPERTY MARKING
Many of you will have now undertaken property marking. This
is proving to be a valuable deterrent against crime. A thief
does not want property that is so easily identifiable as it
just too hot for him to handle. In addition, if marked
property is recovered by police it can quickly be identified
and restored to the owner. For those of you who have not yet
carried this out, it is a simple and inexpensive operation
and can generally be completed in a short space of time. For
those who already benefit from property marking, remember to
mark recently purchased items, and some Christmas presents
will need your attention too. Many Neighbourhood Watch
groups now have access to property marking kits containing a
range of marking products. Your local Crime Prevention
Officer is also able to offer free advice on all aspects of
property marking and, indeed, is available to offer free
advice on any matter connected with crime prevention.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Unfortunately, Christmas brings out the thieves. With the
approach of Christmas and the shopping areas becoming even
more crowded than usual the likelihood of handbags being
snatched or "lifted" and pockets being picked increases. Do
not leave handbags or purses on the top of shopping baskets,
even momentarily, when you are in busy shopping areas and be
especially careful when boarding a bus at a crowded bus
stop. When you all push forward on the bus is the favourite
time for the pick-pocket who often works with an accomplice
whose job it is to slow the queue down. Do not leave
Christmas presents on view on the seats of your car - put
them in the boot. From time to time, householders have
callers selling small household items who claim that part of
the proceeds will go to charity. If challenged, the seller
often produces a pedlar's licence. If it is claimed that any
part of the proceeds will go to charity, then the seller
should carry a certificate and a badge under the "House to
House Collections Act 1939". If they do not, they should be
told they are breaking the law and the police informed.
When you leave the car take care where you park it. The more
people who can see your car the better. A thief is generally
shy and does not like to be seen at work. A few seconds
making sure that all windows are closed and doors locked is
time well spent. Why not treat yourself to an early
Christmas present of a car alarm or an immobiliser for added
security? Incidentally, presents left on view inside a car
can be very attractive to a thief Try to complete shopping
in one go so that presents do not have to be left in the
car, but if this is not possible lock them in the boot or at
least hide them from view.
If you have an opportunity, go shopping with a friend, not
only is it more fun but it can also be safer. We have
already spoken about cash being a thief's best friend. He
does not mind if he takes it from your house or from you and
will be very grateful if you make it easy for him. Christmas
shopping crowds are ideal for him to pick some of your hard
earned cash with very little effort. Make life difficult for
a thief and carry handbags securely and wallets in a safe
place. The more cash you carry, the better he likes it, but
remember that cheque books and cards should be kept
separately.
SEASON OF GOODWILL
Most people become careless over the Christmas period
because of the sheer amount of items they purchase, NEVER
leave ready wrapped presents or boxes in open view either at
home or, in particular, in your car. This is an open
invitation to the hovering opportunist thief and also a
temptation to those who would not normally contemplate
theft.
Burglaries, in the last few days before Christmas, can be
devastating. Presents are the main objective but the turkey
and ham have also been known to go well. Usually it is too
late to replace the goods and Christmas is spoiled. Keep
your house, particularly the back door, secure.
The large number of free local papers in addition to your
daily and local paper, means an increase of your newspaper
delivery boys calling for their Xmas box. These youngsters
work hard all year so please ensure it is they you reward
and not some enterprising young 'con' merchant. All of your
delivery boys have been warned to carry identification.
Finally, don't forget to 'property mark' those expensive
gifts and other purchases.
It is often difficult to think of a suitable present for
Christmas. Have you considered a security gift? How about a
car alarm, steering lock, locking wheel nuts, locking petrol
cap, window etching, personal alarm, a key operated safe for
valuables or a property marking kit.
a) REMINDER OR
b) FINALLY
It must be remembered whatever type of security is employed,
it is only part of our overall defence against the criminal.
Vigilance, awareness and neighbourly co-operation are
important elements in the security of our homes.
(Above is with thanks to Edmonton
Neighbourhood Watch) |
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