Community safety
Where there are issues of community safety we always welcome the input of our residents, for example where a security light or a door entry system to a block of flats is required. We work with the Police on resolving community safety issues and we would be happy to take up any suggestions from you.
We can all help to bring crime down. Most crimes are against property, are not carefully planned and are committed on the spur of the moment - possessions left in a car or a door or window to a house left open. You can reduce the risk by securing your home and car. This will also help the police, by giving them more time to tackle serious crime. That's good for you and your family - because it makes your neighbourhood a safer place to live in.
Challenging the Fear of Crime
We must keep things in proportion. Crimes, especially those involving violence are still comparatively rare. The chances that you, or a member of your family will be a victim of crime are low. Nevertheless, many people are frightened that they, or someone close to them, will be the victim of crime.
The best ways to minimise the risks of crime are by taking sensible precautions. Most people already do this as part of their everyday lives, often without realising it. Sensible precautions limit risk and reduce crime. This guide tells you some of the very simple ways that you can reduce crime for yourself and your community.
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- Use only your surname and initials in the telephone directory and on the doorplate. That way a stranger won't know if a man or a woman lives there.
- If you see signs of a break-in at your home, like a smashed window or open door, don't go in. Go to a neighbour and call the police.
- If you are selling your home, don't show people around on your own. Ask your estate agent to send a representative with anyone who wants to view your home.
- When you answer the phone, simply say 'hello'. Don't give your number. If the caller claims to have a wrong number, ask him or her to repeat the number required. Never reveal any information about yourself to a stranger and never say you are alone in the house.
- If you receive an abusive or threatening phone call, put the receiver down beside the phone, and walk away. Come back a few minutes later and replace the receiver; don't listen to see if the caller is still there. Don't say anything - an emotional reaction is just what the caller wants. This allows the caller to say what he or she wants to say, without causing distress to you. If the calls continue, tell the police and the operator and keep a record of the date, time and content of each phone call. This may help the authorities trace the caller.
Your Home
A lot of burglaries can be prevented. One in five burglars do not have to force their way in because a door or window has been left open. Burglars like easy opportunities. Simple precautions like these do work:
- Looking after your home: Make sure your front door is secure and strong. If it isn’t, get another one. If you are a council tenant you can ask for your local council to do it. You can fit hinge bolts that stop someone pulling the door from its hinges and fix a special steel strip into the doorframe.
- Door Entry Systems: If your block does not have a telephone entry system, talk to the landlord or council about putting one in. This may be easier if you get together with other tenants to form a tenants' association. If you do have a telephone entry system, don't let strangers in or hold the door open for someone who is arriving as you are leaving.
- Strangers: Be alert to people loitering in residential streets. If it is no one you recognise, call the police.
- Burglar alarms: Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice.
- Front Door Roof: A thief could reach first floor windows from this roof - so fit window locks.
- Gates and Fences: A high wall or fence at the back of a house can put off burglars. Check for weak spots where a thief could get in. A thorny hedge along a boundary can also be a useful deterrent. Make sure the front of the house is still visible to passers by, so that a burglar can't work unseen.
- Small Windows: Even small windows like casement windows, skylights or bathroom fanlights need locks. A thief can get in through any gap larger than a human head.
- Spare Keys: Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like under a doormat, in a flowerpot or inside a letterbox.
- Garages and Sheds: Never leave a garage or shed unlocked. Lock tools and ladders away so that a thief cannot use them to break in.
- Side passages: Stop a thief getting to the back of the house - where he can work with less chance of being seen - by fitting a high gate across the passage. If you share an alleyway with a neighbour, talk to him or her about sharing the cost.
Inside your home
- Make sure your house or flat is secure. Always secure outside doors. Fit barrel locks top and bottom. If you have to use a key, keep it nearby - you may need to get out quickly in the event of fire.
- If you feel that your house or flat is not secure, ask the crime prevention officer, based at your local police station, for advice. Although we cannot take responsibility for fitting additional safety measures, we will make sure that windows and doors are in a good state of repair.
- If other people such as previous tenants could still have keys that fit, change the locks. Don't give keys to workmen or tradesmen, as they can easily make copies.
- If you hear an intruder, only you can decide how best to handle the situation. You may want to lie quietly to avoid attracting attention to yourself or you may feel more confident if you switch on the lights and make a lot of noise by moving about. Even if you're on your own, call out loudly to an imaginary companion - most burglars will flee empty-handed rather than risking a confrontation. Ring the police as soon as it's safe for you to do so. A telephone extension in your bedroom can make you feel more secure.
- Draw your curtains after dark and if you think there is a prowler outside - dial 999 - and always tell the operator exactly what is happening.
Car Parks
- When parking in a public car park - look for one that is well supervised, with restricted entry and exit points, good lighting and security cameras. In multi-storey car parks, choose a widely visible bay.
- Car parks can be a target for thieves and a source of fear for many people. A police scheme - 'Secured Car Parks' - aims to make car parks safer, more attractive places - by setting high crime prevention standards of internal design and layout. Those measuring up are entitled to display the official gold or silver 'Secured Car Parks' emblem. To find out about 'Secured Car Parks' in your area, contact the crime prevention officer at your local police station.
Our Community
There is a lot we can do outside our home and family to prevent crime. We can take action by getting together with other people and working in partnership with the police and the Council to reduce crime in our borough. We can help by simply being alert and observant when out and about in our neighbourhoods - or we could apply to join the local Neighbourhood Watch or Special Constabulary. Anyone can play some part, however great or small.
- Roads, footpaths and subways: you can help to maintain a safer environment by reporting to the authorities if streets, footpaths and subways are not well lit.
- Home insurance: does your insurance company offer discounts on home insurance if you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch? If not, try to find an insurance company who does.
- Mobile Phones: Every mobile phone has a unique IMEI number. You can dial*#06# to get yours and make a note of it. If your phone is stolen, you can give the IMEI to the police and your service provider.
Young People
Young people, especially young men, are vulnerable to being victims of crime, and young people sometimes suffer bullying, harassment or robbery (particularly theft of mobile phone). The Community Safety Partnership is keen to work with young people to develop youth crime prevention, aiming to prevent young people from becoming victims of crime or anti-social behaviour.
Think safe and be safe - if you know that there are risks make sure that you don't take them.
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Update MePage Last Updated: 9 March 2009
This page belongs to the following categories :
- Housing
- Policing and public safety > Crime and law enforcement > Crime prevention
