Security at home
Protecting your home against burglary
Here are a few tips on what to do to make and keep your home safe. Remember that a burglar can be in and out in a few minutes, so try to follow the security checklist procedures at all times.
Tips to help keep your home secure:
- Never leave your door key under a mat or hanging on a string behind the letterbox. Thieves always look in these places.
- Make sure that the outside of your property is well lit.
- When you go out, secure all windows in the property and make sure you lock up your entrance door - even for 10 minutes.
- Keep your shed, garage and external stores locked. Easy access to tools could help a thief gain entry into your home and never leave ladders lying about.
- If you are going out for an evening leave a light on.
- Use a UV pen to mark your property with your postcode and house number so they can be returned to you if stolen.
- If you live on the ground floor make sure the windows are closed at night and when you are out.
- Always close your communal door and never let anyone in that you do not know.
- Make sure expensive items like televisions and stereos cannot be seen from outside.
- Don't let anyone into your property unless you know who they are.
- Always ask all callers to prove their identity before letting them in. All our staff and contractors and workers from the gas, electricity or water board or police officers have identity cards for this reason. If you are suspicious call the police.
- If you have a security chain, put it on before answering the door.
Free home security checks
Police Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs) can visit your home to suggest some security improvements. CPOs are based at each police station and can be contacted at your local police station.
Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch is the best known and most effective example of the police and community working in partnership to prevent crime, build safer communities and improve quality of life.
Door entry phones
Some flats and maisonettes have entry phone systems for extra security. If your home has one, please:
- Keep the main door closed.
- Do not let anyone into the building that you do not know or who you are not expecting.
Make sure you report any breakdown to the repairs line or your local office.
When you are going on holiday
If you are going on holiday or leaving your home unoccupied for any length of time, think about these few simple ideas to keep your home safe:
- Make sure your home is secure.
- Cancel your milk, newspapers and any other deliveries.
- Ask a trustworthy friend or relative to keep an eye on your property, or your local Neighbourhood Watch.
- Turn off the gas, water and electricity supplies.
- Make sure your more expensive possessions (TV, video, hi-fi, computer) cannot be seen through your windows.