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Dear Residents, Burglars generally look for properties that offer easy access, poor visibility, and signs that nobody is at home. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Click Link to find out more- Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Metropolitan Police Secure DoorsEnsure all external doors are fitted with good-quality locks, preferably British Standard (BS3621) deadlocks.Always lock doors, even when at home or in the garden.Remove keys from locks and keep them out of sight.Consider fitting a door viewer, door chain, or security bar. Secure WindowsClose and lock all windows when leaving the property, even if only for a short time.Fit key-operated window locks where possible.Do not leave ground-floor windows open unattended.Avoid displaying valuable items near windows. Lighting and VisibilityInstall motion-activated security lights at front, side, and rear access points.Keep hedges and shrubs trimmed to reduce hiding places.Ensure entrances and pathways are well lit during hours of darkness. Alarm Systems and CCTVConsider installing a professionally fitted intruder alarm.Display alarm warning signs and stickers.CCTV or video doorbells can act as a deterrent and provide evidence if an offence occurs. Protect ValuablesRegister valuable items using a property-marking system such as Immobilise (www.immobilise.com).Record serial numbers and take photographs of high-value items.Store jewellery, passports, and important documents in a secure safe. When Away From HomeUse timer switches on lights to create the appearance that someone is home.Arrange for trusted neighbours, friends, or family to check the property.Cancel regular deliveries or ask someone to remove post from the letterbox.Avoid advertising holidays or periods away on social media. Garden and OutbuildingsSecure sheds, garages, and gates with robust locks.Lock away tools and ladders, as these can be used to gain entry.Mark valuable garden equipment with your postcode. Vehicle SecurityKeep vehicles locked and remove valuables from sight.Store vehicle keys away from doors and windows.Consider a Faraday pouch for keyless entry vehicle keys to prevent relay theft. Neighbourhood VigilanceJoin or support local Neighbourhood Watch schemes.Report suspicious activity promptly.Look out for vulnerable neighbours, particularly elderly residents. If You See Suspicious ActivityCall 999 immediately if a crime is taking place or there is an immediate threat. For non-emergency suspicious behaviour, contact 101 or report online via your local police force website. Key Message The most effective burglary prevention is a combination of: Physical security (locks, alarms, lighting).Reducing opportunities (securing valuables and access points).Increasing guardianship (neighbours, CCTV, visible occupancy). Making your property appear difficult to access and increasing the risk of being seen are often the strongest deterrents to opportunist burglars. | 
