Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. It is a crime of opportunity

1. Safety in and out of the Home Pat Simcox PC392VWCrime Prevention Design AdvisorMerton Borough 020 8649 3245

2. 35% of all burglaries are crimes of opportunity, where entry is gained through unlocked doors or windows • A person is ten times more likely to be burgled if they don’t have basic security - even something as simple as putting strong locks on the doors and windows will keep a house much safer • Burglary has fallen by nearly 60% since 1995, but criminals are opportunists who will take advantage of any chance to steal, so people should remain aware

3. Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. It is a crime of opportunity

4. The Occupiers Liability Act 1984 Householders have a responsibility to ensure the safety of ‘anyvisitors’ to their home If any person injures themselves on measures taken to secure a property, they can sue the occupier for damages - this does not include injuries from plants.

5. Points to consider:- • Nothing that may be harmful should be placed less than 2m from ground level (barbed wire) • Security products used to protect a home should not be hidden (e.g. Plants being allowed to grow around it) • Well displayed notices drawing attention to the hazards, while not a complete defence, helps to show that the occupier has done all that is possible to prevent injury

6. Consider fitting trellis to the top of the fence in order to deter people from using the road sign to climb over.

7. A secure gate but entry can still be gained via the neighbours side. The neighbour should take similar precautions or place fencing along the top of the wall.

8. The hedging should be cut back in order to prevent people from hiding along the path. The public are then more likely to use it, which in turn would give more informal/natural surveillance to the premises that are adjacent to it. The hedging should be cut back in order to prevent people from hiding along the path. The public are then more likely to use it, in which case there would give more ‘informal/natural surveillance’ to the premises that are adjacent to it. 8

9. The ladders should either be secured to the wall or locked away. The ladders should either be secured to the wall or locked away. 9

10. Never leave keys in or under pots, mats, rocks etc. This is the first place a potential burglar will look. Never leave keys in or under pots, mats, rocks etc. This is the first place a potential burglar will look. 10

11. No hedges or fencing allows for good informal/natural surveillancefrom neighbours, passing motorists and members of the public. A clearly defined border between private and public property. 11

12. Trees and Bushes Bushes should be cut back to a maximum height of 3ft, and the tree canopy should be no lower than 8ft. This allows for a clear view of an area and deters people from hiding.

13. Garages and sheds Garages and sheds are often full of expensive tools, which are ideal for breaking into the the house. Burglars do not need to carry the tools of their trade if there is an insecure shed around.Unfortunately, the garden shed tends to be forgotten where home security is concerned.

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16. The Home Some things to consider!

17. Reducing your chances of becoming a victim of crime • Lock doors and windows (fit window locks) • Don’t leave cash / credit cards / car keys lying around. • Keep items out of view / put garden tools away • Mark Property • Use timer switches • Close/Padlock garden gates to restrict access • Fit an alarm

18. DOORS A Five lever mortice deadlock should be fitted to front doors a 3rd of the way up the door. (BS 3621/1998) In many cases, ‘home insurance polices’ will insist on this type of lock being fitted as a minimum standard! An automatic dead-latch cylinder rim lock should be fitted a 3rd of the way down the door. (BS 3621) Is there a ‘spy hole’ and/or a robust door chain. Back doors should have the same level of security as front doors.

19. Door viewer • Sturdy hinges • Letter boxes (at least 16 inches from the locking points) • Solid door • Automatic dead lock • Door chain • 5 lever mortice dead lock

20. UPVC doors If your house is fitted with uPVC doors make sure you always lock the door with a key. Simply closing the door and pushing the handle up will not prevent someone entering. Ensure that you engage the multi-locking mechanism and that the door is securely locked.

21. PATIO DOOR LOCKS These doors should have a minimum of three locking points, with an anti-lift device to prevent them from being lifted from their runners. Always remember to lock your patio doors with a key and remove the key from the lock.

22. WINDOW LOCKS Casement window lock Sash window lock UPVC window locks Again remember to lock the window and remove the key

23. Fire Safety Improving the security of your home need not mean that escape in the event of a fire will prove more difficult. Early warning is essential, fit a detector. Keep the house keys at your bedside at night and somewhere near the front door during the day, but not on show and ensure that all the occupants are aware of their location.

24. OUTSIDE LIGHTING Fit some form of security lighting to the front and rear of your home. Low level ‘Dawn to Dusk’ lighting or PIR (Passive Infra-Red) are inexpensive and effective. Good lighting can put off or draw attention to a thief.

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26. PROPERTY MARKING Why mark or register property? Marked or registered property is:- easy to identify difficult to sell can be returned to its rightful owner when recovered

27. Engraving Or Etching Engraving or etching is suitable for many hard surfaces. This method leaves a visible and permanent mark. Ceramic Marking Ceramic marking pens have been developed to mark china, glass or any glazed surface.

28. Ultra Violet Or 'Invisible' Marking An ultra-violet (UV) pen can put an invisible mark on property which can only be seen by using a UV lamp. The mark can fade in time and can be washed off so it needs to renewed regularly.

29. Keep A Record Of Your Property Marking things like jewelery or antiques is difficult and could reduce their value. Always ask your insurer first. Photograph each item, preferably in colour, paying special attention to any distinguishing marks. Take the photograph against a plain background and include a ruler to give an idea of size.

30. Property Registration Property can be registered for free on line at:- www.immobilise.com

31. What is distraction Burglary? Distraction burglary is the type of burglary where the ‘method of entry’ is by trick rather than by a ‘forced’ entry. Most people who call at your home will be genuine, but sometimes people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into peoples homes.

32. There are around 12,000 reported incidents of 'distraction burglary' every year – between Sept 10 and Sept 11 Merton Police had 40 allegations of this type reported.

33. They use a number of guises to gain entry to the victims home: - • Water Board officials – Flooding/leaks • Bogus Builders • Bogus Police Officers • Age Concern • Social Services -VS, Care Workers, • Home help • Various people asking for money

34. How do they do it? One example would be that, having identified some roadwork's in an area the offenders will visit selected homes professing to work for these companies. A panic situation is created, linked to the works, and entry to the home is urgently requested. Often there will be two people - whilst one of them keeps the victim occupied in the kitchen the other, unbeknown to the victim, enters their home and searches it.

35. What precautions can you take if you have an unexpected caller? • Lock your back door • Use a door chain/door viewer, look out a window • Check their ID, close the door while you do this! • Write down your ‘customer reference’ numbers – utility workers etc. should know them • Organise a ‘password’ with the utilities • If they want to sell something, tell them ‘you don’t do business on the door step’ • If you have a locking porch door – use it! If in doubt, keep them out, ring 999

36. Only let them in if you are sure they are genuine. • Genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment to call and will carry an identity card with a photograph. • They won’t mind waiting if you want to phone to confirm their identity or want to rearrange the appointment. • Make a list of the ‘enquiry’ phone numbers that are shown on your bills – Gas, electric, water etc so that you have them to hand.

37. Staying safe when you’re out and about • Never leave your bags or other valuables unattended • Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards and cover up expensive looking jewellery • If a wheelchair user keep bags containing money in front of you • In restaurants never hang your bag on the back of the chair • Carry your house keys, purse/wallet and money in different pockets • Think ahead and plan your journey, avoid deserted areas • If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street. If you are still worried, get to the nearest place where there are other people • Stick to well-lit roads with pavements • Try to vary your route and time • Don’t look like a victim – walk with a purpose

38. If the worst happens! If someone threatens you, shout and scream and set off your personal attack alarm if you have one. This may unnerve the attacker and frighten him off You have every right to defend yourself, with reasonable force, with items that you may have with you i.e. an umbrella, hairspray or keys can be used against the attacker. The law however does not allow the carrying of anything that can be described as an offensive weapon

39. Staying safe in Taxis • Always ensure that you travel in a licensed taxi or Private Hire Vehicle by checking the vehicle's signage or plate and the driver's badge • Check that the taxi or PHV that arrives is the one you ordered and ask for the drivers name • Make a note of the company you are using, and the telephone number, and if possible leave it with a friend • If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people • When you get to your destination, ask the driver to wait until you are inside • If travelling alone, always sit behind the driver, in the back seat

40. Staying safe on public transport • Try to stay away from isolated bus stops, especially after dark • Sit near the driver or conductor • On a train, sit in a compartment where there are several other people - check to see where the emergency chain is

41. Be aware of whose hand is in your bag

42. Staying safe when driving • Plan how to get to your destination before leaving, and stay on main roads if you can • Make sure you have enough petrol and money • Always lock the doors, never leave keys in the car • Park in a well-lit, busy place close to CCTV or in a Safer Car Park • Look around before you get out • Have your key ready when you go to your car • Keep bags, mobile phone’s and other valuables out of sight • Don’t wind your window down far enough so as to allow someone to reach in while you are stopped in traffic.

43. DON'T BE TAKEN IN BY SCAMS Put simply, a scam is a scheme designed to con you out of your money. Ultimately though, it's up to you how you spend your money….. Stop, think and be sceptical. Are you being offered something for nothing? If so, why? Fake lotteriesPrize draws Incredible schemes to make money quicklyFake inheritance Fake investment plansWork from home schemes

44. Remember, if you win something you shouldn't have to pay for it, not even the cost of a call. Don't dial 090 numbers unless you are sure how much you will be charged and are willing to pay for it. For practical advice contact Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

45. When using a ATM During the day rather then at night Within the bank rather then the street Stand as close to the machine as possible Cover the keyboard with your free hand so nobody can see your pin number If anyone stands too close or tries to distract you cancel the transaction and walk away Always put your money away immediately Use a cashier – nicer to talk to someone

46. Never give your bank details to anyone you don't know. Forward suspect emails from banks/building soc etc. to www.banksafeonline.org.uk

47. Identity Theft It's illegally using another person’s personalinformation or documents to obtain credit, money, goods, services, employment or anything else of value or benefit. Destroy items such as bills, receipts, bank or credit card statements and any documents that show your name and address or other personal details and account numbers.

48. To reduce unwanted mail - register free with the Mailing Preference Service at www.mpsonline.org.uk or call 0845 703 4599 To reduce unwanted sales calls register your phone number for free with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) 0845 070 0707 or www.tpsonline.org.uk

49. When should I call Police? 999 should only be used in emergencies: If a crime is occurring now or someone is in immediate danger call 999. If it is not an emergency, but a crime has happened: 101 If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties, use a text phone:- Dial 18000 in an emergency. Dial 18001 0300 123 1212 if it is not an emergency.

50. Crime Reduction Officer Pat Simcox PC392VWCrime Prevention Design Advisor Mitcham Police Station58 Cricket GreenMitchamSurrey CR4 4LA020 8649 3245 E-mail: Patricia.Simcox2@met.police.uk