Securing Your Property 

For a small outlay, you can do a lot to make your home more secure. In four out of every ten burglaries, the thief does not have to break in, because a door or window has been left open. Most burglaries are "opportunistic": the burglar doesn't plan exactly where to go, but sees an easy opportunity to commit a crime. You can make your home less vulnerable to the opportunist thief in the following ways:

- Put locks on all your windows, including small ones and skylights. The easiest target windows are ground floor, windows that can't be seen from the street and those which can be reached from drainpipes or low roofs.

- The front door is the safest door to use as the entry/exit door. It is usually visible from the street and is      less likely to be subjected to a forced entry.

- To the front, side or rear door fit a 5-lever BS 3621 lock, door viewer and door chain. British Standard PAS024 door sets are tested to withstand forced entry. 

-  Additionally, fit mortice bolts to the side and rear doors, avoiding the joints.

- Remember to lock and bolt all the doors and windows before leaving the property unoccupied. It is also advisable to keep ground floor windows and doors locked even when you are in. Fit a chain and door chime to alert you when your door has been opened. Door chimes are available from Police Stations at a price of £5.00.

- By using a light timer you can give the impression of your house being occupied even when it's not.

- Prevent unauthorised access to the side and rear of the property by installing a strong, high lockable gate close to the front building line. Leave access to gas/electricity meters where possible.

- A high wall or fence (1.8m minimum) will help to keep the perimeter of the property secure. Trellis or thorny shrubs will enhance the security of the fence if it is particularly vulnerable (i.e. adjacent to footpaths or public open space).

Outside the Home  

- Keep your garage, shed and outbuildings locked even when you are busy in the garden. Tools and ladders should always be locked away or secured when not in use. They can be stolen or used to gain entry to your house or car.

- Security lighting provides a good deterrent and helps to reduce the fear of crime. Photoelectric cells operating low energy lighting will illuminate the property during the hours of darkness for a minimal cost. 

Car Crime  

Car crime in and around Stockton in particular street parking, accounts for about a quarter of all crimes. These, like other crimes, can be easily avoided.

Property left on display was the main focus for thieves: mobile phones, laptop computers and handbags, left in cars, are all easy pickings for thieves. A concerted effort to get the message across appears to have had some effect on car owners - however, criminals are now stealing radio cassettes and CD players.

Stockton has achieved Secure Car Park status in 16 of its car parks - this is a prestigious award presented by the Association of Chief Police Officers. It is appreciated that these parking facilities require payment but they are monitored by CCTV and patrolled by car park attendants. This reduces the opportunities for the opportunist thief.

The message is simple:

·         Don't leave belongings on view - a thief won't know a coat doesn't contain any valuables.  

·         Security mark your stereo and display the fact you have done so. If it is removable always take it with you and make a note of the serial number.  

·         Always ensure your car is secure.  

·         Park in a safe well lit area.  

·         Look out for the Secured Car Park sign. 

Winter Mornings

We have had our first winter morning this week and already had a vehicle stolen from a drive way, the owner of the vehicle had started the engine and let it run to warm up and defrost the windows however the owner had gone back into the property whilst this took place.

 The vehicle was entered and driven away this is not only making things easy for our local criminals but also on the vehicle keys were the keys to the owners house so the house holder then had to have all locks changed on the property that day .

 

If you have to defrost your vehicle please ensure that you stay with it whilst the engine is running.