WMFS Incident Notification

Dear Resident,

Keep Your Home and Cars Safe this Half Term!

Half term is the perfect time to pack up and fit in a quick get away from the winter blues. In your to-do list make sure you add in our home security top tips.

It’s easy to forget about the spare keys we have lying around, or maybe a ladder left outside the garden shed, especially when we’re rushing to get on the road.

When the schools break up for the holidays, unfortunately we do often see a rise in burglaries as people pack up and leave their homes unoccupied.

There are some basic things you can do to improve your home security and make sure it is as you left it on your return.

It’s important to check all your doors and windows are locked with the keys removed. Leaving doors, windows, side entrances, and patio doors insecure creates an open invitation for burglars. Check to see if you have left any ladders, chairs, or wheelie bins on display which could be used by burglars to gain access.

If you have a video doorbell, make sure this is charged so you can see who’s visiting your home even when you’re away.

If you are heading out for the day or visiting family over the weekend be sure to check your upstairs windows and your sheds and garages are all locked. These can be easily missed if you are in a rush. 

Keep car keys hidden: Avoid leaving car keys near entryways or in plain sight. If you can, keep them in a Faraday pouch (a fabric or leather bag with metal mesh to block signals) and in a drawer away from doors or windows.

Secure your vehicle: Check your fob has done its job – make sure the lights on your car have flashed, the alarm is on, and if they can, your wing mirrors have folded in. If you can, secure a steering lock especially if you are leaving your car on the drive for a long period of time.

If you can, keep motorbikes and pedal bikes in the garage, shed or behind a secure door. Be sure to use a D-lock or multiple locks to keep them safe from opportunist thieves.

Lock up your tools: Unfortunately, tool theft is on the rise in the West Midlands. We recommend registering all your tools or equipment on the Secure Asset Register (Secure Asset Register | SelectaDNA) or take photos of serial numbers to make it easier to recover if they are stolen.

Wait to post on social media: It can be very tempting to post your half term activities online and add your location. Before you hit post or share to your story, think about your home security. Are you showing the world your home is empty and your car is not monitored on your drive?

Going away? Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home. Draw curtains or blinds and cancel any deliveries you might receive while away. If you have timer switches be sure they come on later in the evening as the nights get lighter.

We encourage you to share these security tips with your family and friends, to help reduce vehicle crime and car key burglary in your area.

For more home and vehicle security guidance please visit our crime prevention advice pages.

Thank you for reading!