Protecting your home from thieves

Keep your home safe from criminals

When you’re a home owner, tenant or lodger, there is a variety of excellent routes you can take to ensure your home and property are always fully protected and safe from burglars or intruders. Be sure to check our advice and put into action any areas that need improvement.

As surprising as it is, many people still leave spare home keys outside in case they lose or forget their own keys. Storing additional keys in an outside location such as a shed, garden area, garage or under a doormat is inviting a thief inside. Many criminals will check the most obvious hiding places and by leaving keys easily accessible you are making life simple for a potential intruder. Always attempt to keep sheds, garage areas and other exterior buildings locked and secured, alarming these with a battery powered system if possible.

Night time hours are favoured by burglars

Many burglaries occur during the evening hours or at night time; in fact 58% of break-ins are carried out after dark, with only 34% of burglaries at the weekend period. Ensure you keep curtains or blinds closed during the night, carefully removing any items of value out of sight so they may not be seen outside your property.

Remember not to leave door or window keys in place, within their locks. Always make sure that car keys or outside property keys (like a garage) are hidden from view and especially out of sight from a thief who could be looking through a letterbox.

If you are away or out for any period of time, especially during the night hours, it is a good idea to utilise timing devices for radios, lights and other household appliances. They can give the illusion that someone is resident at home to a thief by switching items on and off, even if the property is empty at the time.

Secure doors and windows

Externally opening doors are recommended to always consist of three points which are lockable. Locks of a mortice nature can add significantly improved safety to a door, purchase these online or via any reputable DIY shop. Deadlocks fitted to doors can prevent a thief from exiting your home after stealing, but never compromise your personal safety and ensure security improvements do not ever prevent a safe exit in case of emergency such as fire.

Remember to close doors and windows, even if leaving your home for a short period, thieves only need a moment to steal! When new metal or PVC built windows and doors are fitted to a property, check if these will come with an included chain and locks attached, adding these afterwards can sometimes be expensive and difficult.

Older windows or those that have no security can be easy routes inside, look into safeguarding these further with window locks. They can be a preventative nature in stopping a thief from entering your property, particularly where windows in place are single glazed or of older designs. Specially designed locks for patio doors and openings should be used at all times and added to unsafe areas, a locksmith or online service can advise further.

Lighting and CCTV

To discourage a thief from checking your property, well lit areas using security lighting and other means are advisable, alongside a good burglar alarm system which is highly visible to any unwanted visitor. Always ensure that lights do not affect your neighbours or cause any unwanted nuisance and alarm systems have an automatic cut off after a twenty minute period. CCTV systems can also be an excellent deterrent in stopping thieves in your locality.

Spy holes fitted to doors can be an excellent way in which to first see who is on the doorstep, before a door is opened. Always remember, Stop, Chain and Check especially when not expecting a visitor to call or if they are unknown.

Garden and outside property security is vital, do not place temptation within an easy route for thieves, remove this from sight and keep in locked garages or sheds. Leaving ladders and garden tools outside can be equipping the thief with an easier method of break in. Fit quality built padlocks to secure outside property areas if they have no locks in place.

Installing secure fences, shrubbery, trees and walled areas to protect your home can inadvertently lead to giving a wary thief the needed protection to go unseen whilst breaking in to a property. Consider replacing these with trellis areas, fencing of chain-link nature or shrubs that are prickly and sharp.

Security mark personal items and valuables

Remember to always security mark your property and possessions with a marking product, these are easy to obtain and can be an excellent way in identifying or recovering stolen property.

Finally, neighbourhood watch schemes that operate in your communities are an excellent source of further advice and help, as is your local police service or crime prevention officer.

Bank Holiday Burglars

Police warn over expected crime rates during bank holidays

With the sheer amount of bank holidays during April and May, with hopefully expectant sunnier weather, the organised or opportunist thief is set to invade homes, burgle and steal property from under our noses.

Lovely summery climates always encourage home owners to open windows and doors to allow the cool breeze to circulate, but by leaving entrances open to burglars it presents a perfect invitation for the thief to invade your privacy and steal valuables.

Typical increases in the amount of burglaries are often seen during the warmer seasons of the UK. Whereas more insecure properties can experience an unwanted break in at any point of the year, a third of burgled homes easily let the thief in. They are allowed to effortlessly stroll into the area via doors which are not secured or locked, and simply by grabbing possessions from inside an opened window.

Consider that while you sit outside, enjoying the bank holiday with a leisurely approach, that a thief could be lurking in the background ready to hurriedly enter your property, without any knowledge.

A burglar only requires a few seconds to take goods and items from your home. With the added benefit of open entrance ways, this process is remarkably easy for bold thieves. By locking windows and doors, even when you are outside or located within your home, can drastically reduce or prevent the likelihood of a burglar preying on your property.

Ensure valuable items are not on display within open windows or through transparent doors, place them well out of the way and temptation from a would-be thief.

Follow these easy pointers to help in protecting your property

• Don’t allow any visitor inside your home, without first checking their identity. Remember, open the door on a chain. Stop, Chain, Check.

• Ensure keys are not left in locks and move these from being seen. It is not a good idea to leave them on tables or hooks nearby.

• When out, make sure that windows have been closed, move items of worth out of a thief’s view or reach.

• If you have a burglar alarm, set this. Consider purchasing one if you have not yet got a system installed.

• As dusk draws in and it becomes darker, curtains and blinds should be closed to prevent the inside of properties from being externally viewed.

• Use and join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your community, consider creating one if none exists.

• To confuse a thief you can set timing switches to activate lights on and off, this can make it appear you are home, even if out.

• Remember, always dial ’999′ in an emergency or ring your local police force contact telephone number. To report crime anonymously, Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111.

• List stolen property on our free listings to help get maximum coverage.

Don’t become a victim of online theft

Shopping online safely

There are now over 32 million people online in the UK. That’s about 65% of the adult population. More and more people use the internet to carry out their daily business ranging from banking to shopping. Year on year, the trend for internet retail sales has increased. Last year, the online retail sector grew 14%, bucking the general trend towards a slump on the High Street, and with an estimated £5.1 billion spent over all.

The disadvantage to this is that thieves and fraudsters are aware that there is a lot of money to be had in the online shopping world. They try lots of devious things to endeavour and con you out of your money, such as trying to obtain your bank details from you or taking your payment for an item, then not sending it. However, with a little knowledge and commonsense, you can protect yourself from this potential situation.

Top Tips for online security

1. Never respond to any sort of email or social networking message that asks you to give your bank account details and passwords. Be especially vigilant if an email that ‘looks’ like it came from your bank asks for your internet banking security passwords and do not respond to it. Banks have always stated that they NEVER ask for this type of information, so the message will be a fake. Delete the message and report it as being of a ‘phishing’ nature (a ‘phoney’ message, ‘fishing’ for information from you).

2. Check the site you are buying from has a ‘secure’ connection. Look for ‘https’ in the address bar and a padlock symbol before you put your credit card or bank details in to pay. Pay close attention to where the padlock is: if it is in the address bar or on the bottom of the frame of your browser, then it will be genuine. If it is in the main page you are reading, it is probably copied and so it is a fake. If you stick to well-known, reputable retailers, you reduce the chance of falling victim to internet fraud.

3. Make sure that you have good, up-to-date antivirus and anti-spyware software on your computer. These can often detect fake websites and increase your security.

4. Don’t ever leave PIN numbers or passwords in your purse or wallet. If you lose it, a thief will have everything they need to spend all your money online without question. If you do unfortunately lose your wallet or have it stolen, call your bank immediately to cancel your card. Then report it to the police and list it as missing using our free stolen listings.

5. Register debit cards with your bank to shop online securely. Many banks offer this additional level of protection where they can immediately phone your home number with a code number, so ask for details. When you answer your home phone, you take note of the number code and type it into a box on the computer screen. This way the bank knows it really is you that is carrying out the transaction and any potential thief would be thwarted.

6. Make sure that your children don’t know passwords and have access to personal bank cards. It’s all too easy for youngsters to go on a little spending spree or even give out your personal details unwittingly.

7. Change your passwords regularly. Every month is a good rule of thumb, and try not to use the same password for everything you do online. Make sure the passwords you use are ‘strong’. Your child’s’ name, for example, would be very easy to guess, so think of something more obscure and add numbers to it (some websites insist that numbers and letters are used).

8. Keep alert on auction sites like eBay. Check the seller’s reputation before going ahead with a bid. Use trusted methods of payment; be very suspicious if only money transfers are accepted, for example. Be especially cautious if it is an overseas seller.

9. Be very careful about what details you are sharing on social network sites. It’s very easy to just put all your personal details out there which leaves you open to fraud. Make use of the security settings on your page and lock it to the general public.

10. Remember the golden rule: If a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be genuine. Avoid it at all costs and don’t proceed with the transaction. Above all, keep yourself and your details safe!

Thieves and firearms

Gun Law and Crime in the UK

The UK has some of the strictest gun laws in the whole world. If you want to own a gun, the law makes it very difficult to do so and you will be subject to stringent controls. This of course is bad news to the thief, as possessing a gun legally is not as simple as it sounds.

Gun laws exist to try and avert terrible tragedies such as the recent Northumberland and Cumbrian shootings by Raoul Moat and Derrick Bird respectively in 2010, the 1987 Hungerford killings by Michael Ryan and the Dunblane massacre in 1996 committed by Thomas Hamilton.

However, even with stringent laws, these individuals managed to carry out their evil crimes.

During 2007, nine young people lost their lives in shootings, 11-year-old Rhys Jones in Liverpool was one of them. There were 59 firearms related murders in 2006 -2007, compared with 49 in the 2005 – 2006. That represents an 18% rise in just one year.

There were 507 serious injuries from firearms, that’s more than one incident a day. However, the trend in gun crime overall has been going down. This indicates that even with atrocities like these, the UK has one of the lowest rates of gun-related murders in the world. This is a figure that is four times lower than the USA, for example.

What are the Gun Laws in the UK?

In England and Wales, firearms and guns are subject to controls under the Firearms Act 1968, which has been amended several times in response to tragedies like Hungerford and Dunblane.

In Northern Ireland, the laws are covered by the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 and are slightly more relaxed. In Scotland, gun laws are a bit more stringent due to the Dunblane murders, and they are subject to the Scotland Act 1998. This is under review with a view to tightening up the laws further to include legislation for air rifles which have been responsible for an alarming increase in misuse in recent years.

Any person who owns a firearm must hold a relevant certificate to prove that they are a suitable person to possess a weapon. There are two types of certificate that can be issued: a Shotgun Certificate or a Firearms Certificate.

Firearms or Shotgun Certificate?

There are some differences between the two certificates and the processes which an individual needs to go through in order to be granted one of them. A Firearms Certificate is generally harder to obtain because you have to explain why you need the weapon and justify your case for owning it.

Firearms Licences are normally only issued if the person applying can show that they have a genuine sporting or work-related reason for owning a weapon.

Shotguns are treated differently because there is the stance that, in the UK, anyone is theoretically entitled to own a shotgun as they are traditionally used for hunting and pest control purposes.

Shotguns (Section 2 Firearms under the 1968 Act as amended) are defined in UK law as ‘smoothbore’ firearms with barrels not shorter than 24 inches (60 cm) and a bore not larger than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, no revolving cylinder, and either no magazine or a non-detachable magazine that is not capable of holding more than two cartridges’. They are subject to slightly less rigorous checks and an individual can own as many shotguns as they like, as long as they can prove that they have safe storage capacity for all of them.

What are the regulations?

In order to obtain one of these documents, you need to apply to your local police station. The Police keep a register of all the firearms owners in the area. They hold details of the make, model and serial number of all weapons and they carry out checks to ensure that the person in control of the weapon is of sound character and has no previous criminal convictions, such as theft or burglary.

Anyone who has received a conviction of a sentence over three years will be disqualified for life from owning a gun or other weapon and ammunition. Anyone with a lesser conviction will be banned for 5 years.

The certificate holder must show that the weapons are kept in a secure, locked cupboard or storage area and they will need to apply every 5 years for a new certificate, giving two good character references.

They also need to produce a statement by their GP to confirm that they are fit to own a gun. A Firearms Enquiry Officer must also inspect the premises where the gun or weapon is kept. Once all these conditions can be satisfied, a licence will be granted.

Keep safe from the distraction burglar

Distraction Burglaries

This underhanded crime is performed by tricksters and fraudulently presenting individuals or groups, who attempt to deceive home occupiers into letting them enter a property.

Con artists use different methods (e.g. posing as an official or tradesperson) to attempt in entering homes or property. Once successfully inside, thieves are looking to perpetrate a burglary. Those who experience this kind of distressing crime can experience physical injuries and symptoms, as well as those on an emotional level.

Physical force to enter a property is worryingly on the increase and criminals often intimidate older people who are sometimes more vulnerable to trespass. Members from this group of society can often by highly impacted by the theft of valuable possessions, which sadly can lead to deaths within the elderly population. These are occasionally triggered by a negative health reaction from the resulting mental or physical trauma that is experienced by the individual.

As the typical age of a person who is the unwilling participant within a distraction burglary is around 80 years old, it is important to safeguard yourself if you reside in this age bracket. For those who have older friends, relatives and neighbours, ensuring they are armed with information and help to keep protected is absolutely vital.

If there is an unexpected visitor at the front door, remember they could be a bogus caller. If you’re not expecting them, you are always entitled to leave the door closed, it is your property. Follow the advice in our bogus caller information by checking the person’s identity directly with the organisation they claim to represent. Remember, do not use any contact numbers given to you by the caller, they could be false.

Safeguard yourself and property

Follow these further tips to protect against a potential distraction burglary:

• Consider safeguarding extremely valuable items within a safe or other protected storage area. Try not to store sizeable amounts of cash within your property, it is more secure when properly banked.

 

• By ensuring your windows are closed and locked you can prevent unwanted entry from the caller or any accomplices, whilst they attempt to distract you.

 

• Doors should also be secured properly with adequate locks and chains. Remember, always puts the chain on before you open the door, this will not offend genuine callers. Always keep in mind, Stop, Chain, Check. If you’re not sure of the caller, simply do not answer the door. If the callers are valid visitors then it is likely they will call back again with a formal appointment.

 

• Many utility companies, other organisations or businesses now use a password scheme. This secured system means that anyone who calls at the door should be able to give you a password that you have already chosen or been made aware of. If a caller can’t supply it, be highly suspicious. Remember those who claim to be visiting from the ‘water board’ are probably lying, this is an out of date term that is only used by fake visitors.

 

• Those criminals engaged in distraction burglaries will often operate together in groups. So, always make sure that where one person enters your property, the door is then closed and secured after they access your home. This can then prevent other burglars working in a team from covertly creeping through an opened doorway.

 

• Get in touch with a close neighbour, family member or friend in the area by telephone and ask them to support you to ascertain the identity of any callers before the door is opened. ‘Nominated neighbour schemes’ exist in some parts of the UK, which can also help. Police forces in your area can put you in touch with any that could be local.

 

• Finally, be on your guard if a visitor to your doorstep is seeking any assistance. Perhaps they are claiming a glass of water is needed, a lost ball needs retrieving, or other similar excuse to gain entry within your property. If you feel able to offer any help to the caller, ensure this is always done via a secured door that has not been opened. You can also decide to ask a neighbour, friend or family member to assist you further.

  If there is any concern around your safety, never hesitate to call the police, using ’999′.

Prevent your pet from being stolen

Stolen Pets: Things you can do to prevent this happening

British people are known around the world for their love of animals. Our pets really are part of our family. How would you feel if your beloved pet went missing or was stolen? It doesn’t bear thinking about, so here are some tips on how to avoid this ever happening to you.

Sensible precautions should be taken whatever type of pet you own, but for more valuable animals like horses, dogs and koi fish you should take additional measures to safeguard them.

Dogs

1. Keep your dog on a lead when you are out. Make sure it has a collar on with an identity tag attached. Ensure that you have micro chipped your dog and registered it with a vet. Train your dog to return to you immediately, when you call it.

2. Dog thefts are on the increase. Rare and valuable breeds are particular targets and are often stolen to order on the ‘black market’ so do not leave them tied up outside, even for 5 minutes. There are also less professional thieves about that just take the opportunity to steal your dog whether it is valuable or not.

These types of thefts are usually carried out by thieves just wanting very quick money, perhaps to feed a drug habit. To avoid any sort of theft when you are out walking, avoid known crime hotspots, vary your walk, i.e. don’t stick to the same route and take a mobile phone with you so you can call for assistance in an emergency.

3. Make sure that you have good quality, up-to-date photos of your dog in case they are needed for identification purposes

4. Always know where your dog is at all times. Try not to leave the dog outside on its own for any lengthy periods of time, even if it is in your own garden. If you must leave your dog in the garden, then make sure that all fencing is secure and that any gates are shut and kept locked. If you are opening the gate to your garden (or the door to your house) and you know that the dog will be waiting behind it, make sure you open it slowly and watch that the dog does not run away as the door is opened.

5. Consider placing your dog’s details on an internet-based pet register. They can help you if the dog is stolen or goes missing.

Horses

Much of the above applies to horses, but also consider the following:

1. ‘Freeze marking’ a horse is a very good and visible way of identifying your animal and is very difficult for a thief to conceal. You can also postcode the horse’s hooves, but this needs renewing as the hoof grows.

2. Make sure all fencing around the horse’s field is secure and that gates are locked and chained. Make the stable yard as secure as possible, restrict access to outsiders and think about putting up motion sensitive security lights and/or CCTV. Mark all property and tack.

3. Don’t leave a head harness on the horse when it is in its field because this makes it easier to be caught and stolen. Vary the times you move your horse about so that a thief is unsure of your routine.

4. Make sure you have plenty of good quality photos of your horse, especially of any unusual features or markings, so that it can be readily identifiable if it is stolen.

5. Consider joining a local ‘horsewatch’ scheme, or maybe start one up if there isn’t one in your area.

Koi Carp

Koi fish can be extremely valuable so they should be protected as much as possible from thieves who will steal the fish to order.

1. Keep your garden as secure as possible and consider installing motion-sensitive CCTV and/or security lights in the garden.

2. If you buy expensive equipment, dispose of the packaging/boxes very carefully. If you leave them out by your bin, it advertises the fact that you own valuable fish.

3. Be careful if you join specialist koi internet forums, don’t give your address out to anyone as they will know that you own prized fish and it could attract unwanted visitors.