Crime Prevention Advice

The most basic home security measure is to simply lock up.  This gets overlooked more often than you think, and a surprising number of people leave windows open or forget to lock the door.  Do not make it easy for burglars, take these simple precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Your home:

·         Keep front and back doors locked at all times, even when you are at home.

·         If you are out in the evening, make sure you leave a light on and draw the curtains.

·         If it is dark before you get home, use timer switches to turn on the lights.

·         Light up your front door with dusk to dawn lighting and make sure it is visible from the street.

·         Keep keys and valuables out of sight and reach from cat flaps, letterboxes and downstairs doors and windows.

·         If you have a burglar alarm, use it.

Your vehicle:

·         Always keep your vehicle locked and close the windows, even if you are only leaving the vehicle for a few moments.

·         Always remove all items from your vehicle when parked, even an old coat may be enough to tempt a thief.

·         Never leave keys in the ignition, not even at a garage when paying for petrol.

·         Keep keys safe at all times, whether you are out or at home.

Please take some time to visit these sites for more advice:

·         Further advice from the police www.northants.police.uk/crimeprevention

·         For approved products visits www.securedbydesign.com or www.soldsecure.com

·         For Neighbourhood Watch www.ourwatch.org.uk/area/northamptonshire

·         For approved alarm installers www.ssaib.org or www.nsi.org.uk

·         Register your property for free at www.immobilise.com

·         For registering bikes and for bike marking products www.bikeregister.com

The most basic yet effective advice is to keep your home locked and secured and prevent opportunist burglaries.