Safety & Security

Preventing burglaries

Close all windows and lock entrance doors when you go out, even for a short time. Most thefts occur during the day and only take a few minutes.

• Fit window locks – they are relatively cheap but effective.
• Make sure ground floor windows and windows near pipes or flat roofs are closed at night.
• Never leave keys under a mat or on a string inside the letterbox.
• Don’t advertise that you are going away from home for example, by leaving notes for callers.
• Remember to stop newspapers, milk and other deliveries when you go holiday.
• Leave a holiday address with police or a neighbour in case anything happens while you are away.
• Always ask all callers to prove their identity before letting them in. All council 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 an entry phone system use it properly. Don’t let people you do not know in and don’t prop or jam doors open.
• You should not fit security gates to the front door of your home; this could slow your escape in the event of a fire or hinder the fire brigade in rescuing you.