Security in the home
A lot of burglaries can be prevented. Most are committed by opportunist thieves, and in two burglaries out of ten the thief does not have to force his way in because a door or window has been left open. Burglars like easy opportunities. They don't like locked windows because breaking glass attracts attention. They don't like security deadlocks on doors because they cannot open them even from the inside and they have to get out through a window. Simple precautions do work. So check the security of your home and strengthen the weak spots.
Strangers
Be alert to people loitering in residential streets.
Be wary that an unknown caller may not be alone and could be distracting you to enable an accomplice to gain entry into your property.
Gates and Fences
A high fence at the back of a house can put off a burglar. A thorny hedge long 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.
Burglar Alarms
A visible burglar alarm can make a burglar think twice.
Doors
Doors should be strong and of solid core construction, at least 44mm thick. Fit front and back doors with a five-lever mortice deadlock to BS3621 or equivalent. A deadlock can only be opened with a key, so a thief cannot smash a nearby glass panel to open the door from the inside.
Windows
All ground floor windows and easily accessible upstairs windows should be fitted with key operated window locks.
Keys
Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like under a doormat, in a flowerpot or inside the letterbox - a thief will look there first.
Security Lighting
Good lighting can deter a thief. Keep areas well lit, including the porch.
Garages and sheds
Never leave a garage or shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house. Lock tools and ladders away so that a thief cannot use them to break in.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is a charity which helps the police by taking calls about criminals and crime, protecting the caller with complete anonymity. These reports are not recorded or billed and the call centre which handles the 0800 555 111 number is open all day and all night. Information is taken by trained professionals working for the charity.
Crimestoppers takes calls about any crime provided the caller has some information that will help the police build a case. Don't let criminals shelter behind a wall of silence, if you don't report them who will?
Smoke alarms that work help save lives. We recommend you have a least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and ideally in every other room except your kitchen and bathroom.
Your working alarm will give you very early warning of a fire - when it sounds you will need to know what to do.
Think about how you will call the fire service. Your working smoke alarm will give you the warning and the time to .....
GET OUT, GET THE FIRE SERVICE OUT AND STAY OUT
Here are a few tips which could prevent a fire starting in your home.
In the kitchen
Never leave cooking pots and pans unattended.
Do not overfill a chip fryer with oil (one third is the maximum)
Do not hang clothes or tea towels on the cooker to dry
Around the home
Switch off and unplug (if possible) electrical appliances at night
Do not overload sockets - use a fused adaptor.
Never smoke in bed or your favourite arm chair if you are tired.
Always put cigarettes and pipes out properly.
Close doors at night
Never dry clothes in front of a fire or heater.
Have electric blankets tested for faults regularly.
For more advice contact Community Fire Safety Department on Tel: 023 8062 6809.
Remember - working smoke alarms help to save lives - Test yours regularly
Crime and Disorder Data Information Exchange (CADDIE)
Here you can find up-to-date information about Crime and Disorder in your area. This web site has been built by Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships across Hampshire and Isle of Wight. CADDIE can help you see what is happening in your local area and how together, we are working to reduce crime, tackle the fear of crime and promote quality of life issues around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.