With the dark nights of winter well and truly upon us, we need to think about security of our home and property more than ever. Simple deterrents can prevent you from becoming the next victim of crime!
How can I best protect my home during day and night?
During the day people feel that their property is safe as it is daylight and nobody would dare try to do anything during the day…. wouldn’t they? It is becoming increasingly apparent that a lot of people across the area become complacent with security, leaving windows and doors open or unlocked. For opportunist criminals this is easy pickings as there is no effort to gain entry into a home or outbuilding. My advice is to:
• Keep all doors and windows secured at all times even when at home and consider alarms for your home for when you’re out or at night
• Consider restricting access to the rear of your property and think of security marking any valuable electrical items
• Use light timers to make your home appear occupied when you are out – this makes any would be criminals hesitate as they don’t know if anyone is in
• Don’t advertise your property – make sure valuable items cannot be seen through the window where possible
What about protecting my garden shed or garage?
Power tools, sports equipment, cycles, toys and motorbikes are often taken by thieves from gardens or outbuildings and can be costly to replace. Follow some of these inexpensive steps below and try to reduce your chances of being targeted.
Shed
• Position sheds so they are clearly visible from the house
• Make sure the shed door, door frames and walls are solid and replace any rotten pieces
• Fit a battery powered alarm (can be purchased from DIY stores or Garden Centres)
• Put tools and equipment away after use
• Make sure your household insurance policy covers theft from your garden / outbuildings
Garage
• If you have a household alarm fitted, consider extending it to cover the garage
• Consider additional locks, garage door defenders or good quality ‘up and over’ or ‘rolling’ deadlocking door handles
• Long braided steel cable and a 2 bolt anchor locking point can be fixed to garage walls or floors and passed through expensive property such as motorbikes and cycles
• Don’t leave your garage door open so that people can see what you keep in it
Finally, I would encourage those that are not part of our growing Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to join up and become part of a team that aim to be safeguarding the community. Please direct any queries regarding Neighbourhood Watch to your local NHW Co-Ordinator, or contact me if there are any issues.