KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE THIS WINTER

Crime Reduction Officer • January 19, 2021

Simple steps to help protect your home this winter

As our 3 Shires Patrols travel around and across our village communities, they can't help but notice various things that might attract the attention of criminal elements. And make no mistake, whether it is an unlocked bike or an open garage door, you can guarantee that if we can see, then so will an opportunist thief. As the nights start to draw in and the temperature drops, we tend to spend more time inside our homes with the curtains closed, providing criminality a chance to work unhindered.
This makes it more important that ever to ensure you're locking up your valuables and taking all reasonable steps to reduce your vulnerability to opportunistic crime.

According to Police data, homes that don’t have basic security features in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those that do have security. We are committed to reducing crime within our 3 Shires Patrol area to help give you peace of mind, but you can take some simple steps yourself in order to reduce your chances of becoming the victim, as recommended by ourselves (and Police Forces across the UK).
Lock it or lose it!
Make life as hard as possible for criminal elements by locking your doors, windows, side gates and sheds/summer houses. Make sure that you lock bikes securely to an immovable object, even when they are inside a locked shed or garage. For high value items, consider investing in a properly secured safe or bank vault.
Reveal nothing!

Make sure that you keep all keys and smaller valuables (especially car keys) away from letterboxes and out of sight from smash-and-grab thieves.  Don’t make access to your property easy – keep ladders stored away, and be aware of leaving anything in the garden that could be used for easy access to windows. With Christmas not long over, try not to leave out high value items Santa may have brought you that can be seen through windows. And if you get that new iPad or games console in the January sales, don’t advertise their existence by leaving the packaging out by your bins, make sure that it’s hidden away until your bin collection day.

Be alarmed!

No, we don’t mean live in fear! In fact, quite the opposite. By installing a visible burglar alarm and motion activated security lights, you’ll be able to rest easy. Speak to us about the best solution for your premises. If you’re an enhanced member of our 3 Shires Patrol community, you could benefit from the Alarm Response service that enhanced membership includes. 
Other more traditional methods include having a man’s best friend (like our good pal, Ralph) to keep an eye out for you. But if you don’t want the commitment of a having to walk and care for a dog, you could alternatively install spiky plants in vulnerable areas, while a gravel driveway can be a minor deterrent.

Getting away from it all post-lockdown?

If you're lucky enough to be planning a break once lockdown finally ends and we're able to travel more freely, do make sure you take some simple steps to prevent your home appearing empty. You can ask a neighbour or a friend to keep an eye out, and perhaps even park one of their cars in your driveway. You can also put your lights on a timer, to make your home appear occupied at key times. Try and avoid posting holiday plans on social media, or at the very least be sure that your privacy settings are rock-solid so only your inner circle of friends know. And last, but not least – if you’re a 3 Shires Patrol member, be sure to let us know you’re away, so we can be aware that any movements we see at your property are most definitely not you and need to be addressed immediately.

Don't stress!
It’s easy to think when looking at advice like this that you need to panic about local crime, but in reality it’s through taking simple steps such as these and looking out for each other that we can help our communities feel much safer and more united. Being proactive helps remove the worry – as the Boys Scouts say, Be Prepared!
Let Blueline Help
We offer Crime Reduction Advice as part of the service to our 3 Shires Patrol Enhanced members (both Business and Residential members). One of our former police, Crime Reduction Officers will visit your home or business to advise you on measures that can be taken to reduce your chances of becoming a target for crime. You simply need to request a free visit and report. If you're not currently a member, we can still provide the same service, for a one-off fee of £75.

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