TOP TIPS FOR HOME SECURITY
August 31 2006
Fact sheets from the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership containing Top Tips for Home Security are being distributed at community events across the city.
The information also includes telephone numbers to ring if a crime is happening or has taken place, including reporting of problems such as fly tipping or finding syringes in public places.
These cards will be sent out by Gloucester City Council, to residents who have made applications for Building Regulations, to enable them to consider home security features when making alterations to their homes. They will also be distributed with the autumn edition of Tenants’ Times to the tenants of Gloucester City Homes and through local housing associations.
Police in Gloucester will be making sure that new homes in Gloucester come complete with advice on how to beat the burglar.
“The idea is that residents will keep the information in a convenient place to remind them of the measures they can take to keep their homes safe” says Crime Reduction Officer PC Kevin Ireland
“The information provides a simple tick list which if followed will go a long way to ensuring they keep their properties secure”.
Top tips include:
- When you go out, always lock the door and close the windows –even if you are just going out for a short time
- If you have a burglar alarm fitted then use it
- Window locks will help stop people getting in – a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window
- If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a burglar to get out again. Don’t leave the keys in an obvious place
- Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed – put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house
- If you are away from home during darkness use timers for lights or radios inside and dusk to dawn light bulbs outside to give the impression that someone is in
- A 1.8 m (6ft) fence with prickly shrubs makes a back garden very secure but do not forget to lock the side gate or a burglar can just walk in
- Fitting a “door viewer” allows you to see who is at the door. Having a door bar/chain means that you can open the door a little way to talk to them
- Fit a shed alarm
PC Ireland said “Low cost timer switches, dusk to dawn light bulbs, door chains, shed alarms and other home and personal safety equipment can be purchased through the local Crime Reduction Officer who can be contacted on 0845 090 1234.
Derek Cross, Chair of the Gloucester CDRP said, “Often, by means of simple crime reduction measures, we can keep the burglar at bay. This useful card is a reminder of what we can all do to protect our property. We all have a part to play in reducing crime; with a little bit of forethought we can protect our homes from opportunist thieves.”
The Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Office is based in the Herbert Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2EQ, tel: 01452 396984, email: cdpartnership@Gloucester.gov.uk or visit the website at www.gloscrimereduction.org.uk