Keep your valuables safe in a fire rated safe

Dear Resident,

Where do you store your family gold and valuables?

Over the next few months, we know many of our local communities will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Vaisakhi. We often see a rise in burglary at this time of the year - criminals are on the look out for cash, gold, and jewellery left in plain sight. 

If you’re heading out to visit family over the festive period, be sure to lock away all jewellery, gold, and designer goods in an insurance, or Secured By Design, safe. 

We’ve put together some advice to help keep you and your valuables safe.

Choose an accredited safe and secure enclosures 

One of the most effective ways to protect your valuables, such as gold, jewellery, and documents, is by investing in a home safe.  
 
A fire-rated safe, approved by your home insurance, and registered on our Secured By Design database, is highly recommended to ensure your items are protected. 

Secured by Design is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit. You can find lots of accredited security products by browsing their catalogue of trusted suppliers.

It’s important to position the safe appropriately. Avoid placing it in easily accessible or obvious locations like the bedroom, as burglars often check there first.  

Move your safe away from any sliding doors, windows, or back doors. Bolt your safe to a wall or floor will significantly increase its security. 
 
Do not conceal your safe in places with high traffic areas that are open to the outside world regularly such as garages, sheds, and side entrances. 

For more advice around safes, click here.

Safety deposit boxes and storage

Alternatively, you can choose a safety deposit box if you prefer storing your items outside of your home. Many items, including family heirlooms and precious metals, are ideal for safety deposit vaults, which remove the risks of keeping them in your property. 

While vaults offer increased security, it's essential to contact your insurance provider to determine how this might affect your policy and ensure they provide adequate cover. 

Back to basics 

Stop burglars in their tracks - check your doors, windows, and porches are locked. 

Do not store cash or gold in your bedroom in shoeboxes or in the wardrobe - this is the first place burglars will check.

Many home insurance policies will only cover you for burglaries if you've secured your property properly so do not leave doors unlocked or keys in sight. Some home insurance policies might even require a specific door lock so spend time reviewing your policy. 

Most UPVC and composite doors use euro-cylinders. We recommend fitting 3-Star TS007 anti-snap cylinders to stop criminals snapping your locks easily and entering your home.

Layer up your vehicle security 

We have seen a rise in car-key burglary and relay attacks across the West Midlands. Be sure to keep your keys in a signal-blocking pouch, and out of sight. 

If you have one, always secure a steering lock or activate your immboliser to deter burglars taking your vehicle.

Attend one of your local neighbourhood community meetings to learn more about home and vehicle security. The team usually have crime prevention tools and materials on hand to give you if you are worried. 

Find your next local police meeting here, simply pop in your postcode and head to the 'Meeting and events' section. 
 
If you see anyone acting suspiciously or want to report a crime after it’s happened call us on 101. In an emergency, always call 999. 
 
For more crime prevention advice head to our website: Keep burglars out of your property | West Midlands Police