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Dear Resident, Following a number of housebreakings in the wider area we are asking you to think about your home security. Most housebreakings occur whilst a property is unoccupied with the highest risk being whist the occupiers are away for a few days or weeks. Please share this email with friends family and neighbours who may not be signed up to the Neighbourhood Alerts. We also want to encourage you to report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the Police at the time. Community Police Officers can carry out home security surveys and provide personalised advice on home security in the Trossachs and Teith area. For further information contact us at stirlingcommunitypolice@scotland.police.uk When thinking about the security of your home we use the three D’s – Deter, Detect and Delay. The following are some of the things to think about in relation to home security but it is not a definitive list. Deter – preventing or discouraging someone from breaking into your home is a top priority. This can be done by Increasing visibility of persons in the curtilage of your home. Reduce height of hedges or fences at overlooked areas of your property.Securing secluded areas of your property with full height fences or hedges with locked gates. Considering anti climb paint or using spiky planting to reinforce perimeters. Motion activated or timed security lighting.Signage advertising alarm / CCTV / forensic marking. Security box indicating house alarm.Limiting the amount of cash or investment valuables (gold / silver bars) kept at home.Consider a bank safety deposit box for high value unused items. (can cost under £250 a year)Give the impression your property is occupied when you are away. Timed lights within property. Consider a timer on a radio or a TV simulator.Ask a neighbour or family member to open and close blinds and curtains, take bins back in from the kerbside. If a neighbour has more than one car, ask them to park one in your drive.Detect – If someone was to break into or attempt to break into your property you want someone to be notified. Alarm systems with noise makers, motion sensors and contact / entry sensors that notifies the Police of a confirmed intruder.CCTV that can notify you of movement at the time allowing you to contact Police.DNA marking of items of value identifying them as yours should they be recovered.Delay – If someone does decide to break in, slowing them down or making it difficult for them to steal. High security rated doors, windows and locks.Smoke systems that reduce visibility within your property should someone break in.Secure safe for any valuables that is attached to the fabric of the building.Avoid typical places for unused family valuables – top of wardrobes, backs of drawers.There are numerous fake household items you can buy that are designed to store valuables from fake lockable plug sockets to fake tins of food. The following organisations offer support and advice including products in relation to home security. Secured by Design for security standards, advice, and certified security productsSold Secure for certified security productsMaster Locksmith's Association to find local locksmiths and for information on lock standardsNeighbourhood Watch Scotland offers local community support and adviceImmobilise to record your valuables to make getting them back easier
PC Donald King
Trossachs & Teith Community Policing Team Callander Police Station | 
