Police in Wrexham and Flintshire are urging residents to take more care in securing their property to deter burglars and opportunist thieves.
Sheds and garages are the most common targets, but thieves will also take advantage of unlocked doors and windows and keys left on display in front and side doors.
Top Ten Tips:
1. Home or away. Keep doors locked and remove keys. Place all keys either in a key cupboard out of sight or in a safe place that should there be an emergency such as a fire you are able to get your keys and get out of the building safely. Car keys should also be put away securely.
2. Postcode all your property using a UV marker pen and or marking with a DNA coding system such as “Smartwater”. Photograph all valuable property and take details of all serial numbers and keep them in a safe place. You can also register your valuables on www.MyThings.com/NorthWalesPolice.
3. Never let one you don’t know into your home, always check identification of callers – if in doubt keep them out. All utility companies run a password scheme which only you and the company will know. These schemes are easy to join and help stop bogus callers.
4. Consider fitting a door viewer and door chain/bar. These are available for all types of doors including PVC.
5. Fit window locks, especially to ground floor windows.
6. Consider fitting good quality deadlocks certified to BS 3621 to all exterior doors.
7. Consider fitting a burglar alarm certified to BS EN 50131 and make use of it.
8. Consider fitting external security lighting, in areas that are vulnerable. Solar PIR sensor security lights are now available which don’t need any electric supply and are easy to fit and are available from most DIY stores.
9. Sheds and garages should always be kept locked and secure. Consider self tapping screws for shed hinges which stops the screws from being removed from the hinges, shed alarms and padlock alarms will also help. Extra security is available for garages such as alarms and bolts which fix the garage door to the floor to stop entry. Never leave valuable equipment in outside buildings that have no or little security.
10. Joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has proven to reduce crime in areas. Once in a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme you can have access to the Online Watch Link (OWL) which keeps you informed of all things happening in your area. For more information on how to join Neighbourhood Watch contact 01352 708118 or email [email protected] or visit the website: www.fnwa.org.uk
If you would like more information on how to keep your property safe advice on the security products then contact PC1409 Hazel Goss Community Safety Officer Eastern on 01352 702145 Email [email protected]. If you have any information about crime or see anything suspicious then please let us know. In an Emergency always ring 999 For non urgent matters requiring police assistance or to give us information then please contact 101 Or Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111.
