Tuesday August 18, 2009
Secure Your Home
Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) have recently received a number of the Home Office "Secure Your Home" packs.
The packs contain Home Office information on Securing Your Home, Neighbourhood Watch, How To Beat The Bogus Caller, and a self assessment to enable residents to check their own homes for key security measures.
Also included are some discount vouchers for home security products from
B & Q, Focus and Homebase.
PC Kevin Ireland, Crime Reduction Officer for Gloucester, said "Home owners in Gloucester should follow simple advice to reduce their risk of becoming the victim of crime.
Lighting - Good lighting is an excellent way to deter a thief, with some exterior lights having sensors that switch the light on from dusk to dawn. Timed lights, both internal and external also give the impression there is someone at home.
Alarms - Visible burglar alarms always make a burglar think twice.
Windows and doors - Always secure the most vulnerable windows first, particularly ground floor windows, windows that cannot be seen from the street and those that can be reached via drainpipes or a flat roof.
Boundaries - A high wall or fence at the back of your property can put of a burglar. Make sure the front of your house is visible so a thief cannot work unseen, although a thorny hedge along a boundary makes a useful deterrent.
Outbuildings - Never leave a garage, shed or outbuilding unlocked and consider the use of a battery operated alarm."
Cll Andrew Gravells, city council cabinet member for community safety said, “Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled. The good news is that it doesn’t take much money to improve security and put off burglars, especially with the aid of these discount vouchers available. Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes: If you think that your security looks poor, chances are so will a burglar!!
Packs are available for members of the public through the local Safer Community Police Teams – contact by telephone 0845 090 1234 and ask to speak to an officer from your area or through the website www.gloucestershire.police.uk and look under Neighbourhood Policing.