Crime Prevention

Do not to invite trouble. You must make it difficult for the would-be thief to find an opportunity. Make sure you secure your house and outbuildings at night and when you are away. You may think this is common sense, but our beat officers have discovered some alarming cases where this is not happening.

Car Crime

Thieves can gain entry to your vehicle very easily and quickly with just a few simple tools. Perhaps you have left a sports bag, or a CD wallet in view. These are very saleable items, and enough for the criminal to earn easy money. It only takes a few seconds to smash a window, and rarely are there any witnesses. What you will be left with is a bad experience and a bill to repair your vehicle. The message is simple - Don't leave items in view in your vehicle.

UPVC Doors

The police have advised us that some types of UPVC doors (fitted with a letterbox) are vulnerable to criminals. Make sure it is double locked when you are out.

Offenders have been known to put their arm through a letterbox or cat flap and use a tool to push the handle down and gain entry to homes.

It is important that people understand that these doors have to be double locked to be properly secure.
• Deadlock your doors with the key – don’t just lift up the handle.
• Make use of all door and window locks fitted in your home.
• Consider getting a letter box deflector.
• Keep house keys upstairs or store them near the door out of sight for easy access in an emergency.
• Keep your car keys away from the front door and store them somewhere safe.
• Keep handbags out of sight.

Cold Callers

If you have any concerns about a caller to your door, do not let them in and call the police immediately on 999. Also, please keep an eye on any elderly and vulnerable neighbours and report any suspicious callers.

The following Safer Homes advice can help you avoid becoming a victim of this sort of crime:
• Burglars can fool you into thinking they are genuine callers. Don't be the one who invites them in. If in doubt, keep them out!
• Stop – are you expecting anyone to call on you? Do you know the person at the door? Don’t be misled by what appear to be genuine reasons for calling on you.
• Check – A genuine caller will carry identification and will be happy to wait outside while you check it. Remember to source your own number for the company they are claiming to be from, don’t accept a number from the caller.
• Chain – fit a door chain or spy hole so that you can speak to callers or check who they are without opening the door fully.

If you turn anyone away from your home because they could not provide you with a genuine reason for being there, or you are suspicious of callers in your area, contact the police.

Useful Links

The following links will take you to a wealth of information on Crime Prevention