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Darker Nights Crime Prevention Advice |
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How to avoid becoming the victim of burglary - Practical steps for all residents
1) Installing an alarm system can help deter burglars, display the stickers and signage that are provided 2) If you already have an alarm installed, ensure that you use it 3) Lock doors every time you leave - even for a few minutes 4) Fit and use a British Standard (BS 3621 or equivalent) mortice deadlock or multipoint locking on doors 5) Secure Patio and French doors with additional locks or bolts and make sure they are locked before you go out. 6) Keep windows closed and locked when you're out - use key operated locks where possible for ground floor and easily accessed windows 7) Fit laminated or toughened glass (or use security film) to windows and glazed doors where practical 8) Consider CCTV or doorbell cameras; and place it so faces and approach routes are visible 9) Use timer switches or smart plugs to make the house look occupied when you're out 10) Keep valuable items (jewellery, passports, cash, high-value electronics) out of sight, and where possible in a secure safe fixed to a structure 11) Mark and photograph valuables (serial numbers, unique features) so that they're easier to report and identify if stolen 12) Register high-value items on property databases (eg national property register services) and record serial numbers 13) Don't leave spare keys in predictable hiding places (under mats, in plant pots, behind loose bricks) 14) Be careful with social media - avoid positing real time details about holidays or long absences from home. 15) Keep hedges and shrubs trimmed so they don't give burglars cover - maintain clear sightlines from streets and neighbouring properties 16) Fit exterior lighting with motion sensors around likely entry points (doors, back garden, side alley) 17) Make gates, side-entrances and sheds more secure with strong locks and consider anchoring garden tools that could be used to break in. 18) Secure bicycles and garden equipment with good quality locks and, where possible store them in a locked garage or shed. 19) If you have a garage keep the internal door locked and avoid leaving garage doors open/unattended 20) Use windows and door sensors or a monitored alarm if you want professional alerting; ensure alarm signs are visible 21) Join or start a Neighbourhood Whatsapp/Facebook group, but ensure that all criminal activity are reported to the Police 22) Report suspicious people to the Police promptly - note full descriptions (what were they wearing, specific trainers, height, age, tattoos?) 23) If you rent, speak with your landlord about improving security (locks, lights, external doors) landlords have duties to maintain secure premises 24) When away for longer periods, ask a neighbour to collect post, put the bins out and bring them back in, 25) Keep insurance documents up to date and check your contents cover - know whats covered and how to make a claim. In an emergency please call 999, for a non-emergency 101 or utilise the online chat function on the main Greater Manchester Page
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