Crime prevention advice:

Crime prevention advice:

As the darker nights draw in: 

The following home security advice will help to keep your home and possessions safer and reduce the chances of you falling victim to an opportunistic burglar.

Ensure all keys, including car keys, are out of sight and away from the letterbox or not on display. Always keep valuables like tablets and laptops out of sight from windows.

Check that your burglar alarm and car alarm systems are working.

Check that your security cameras and security lights are operating correctly. Removing any cobwebs from Infront of any lens or sensor.

Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home. Always lock windows and doors removing any keys when away from your home. keep large recycle bins away from side entrance gates or fences, these could be used to gain access into your property. 

Vehicle security.

It might sound obvious but leaving items on show is an invitation to the opportunist criminal - mobile phones, money, wallets, sunglasses, coats, jackets and large bags should always be removed from the vehicle or hidden well out of sight

Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when you leave it unattended - be this on the drive, the petrol station forecourt, when de-icing your vehicle in the winter or when getting a ticket to park. An unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from.

Physical security products such as a steering wheel lock or a lock that fits over the gear lever still act as a good deterrent.

West Wickham has some amazing what’s app and Facebook neighbourhood links, consider joining those in your area, this can alert you and your neighbours to anything out of the ordinary. 

Always contact police if it is an emergency dialling 999 or 101 for non- emergencies. 

Or you can report via Crimestoppers UK phone number is 0800 555 111, available free and anonymously 24/7.

Please consider sharing with your neighbours and encourage them to join the West Wickham MET Engage platform. Supporting your local police team to have greater connections to those on the ward.