Safer Restormel

Safety tips

Safety at home

Doors

If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Make sure doors and frames are in strong and good condition, otherwise any locks could be ineffective

A solid door that is at least 44mm thick can be fitted with a five lever mortice deadlock, any thinner and this type of lock will weaken the door.

UPVC doors normally incorporate deadlock shoot bolts or multi point locking systems as they are generally unsuitable for retrofit security devices; check with your supplier if you are not sure.

Patio doors – To secure sliding doors, fit at least one but preferably two patio door locks to support the hook lock.

French Windows – These can be less secure than the modern patio door unless suitable security measures are taken. Each door should be fitted with mortice rack bolts. Modern UPVC French windows usually incorporate deadlock shoot bolts or a multipoint locking system as they are generally unsuitable for retrofit security devices, but check with the manufacturer or installer if you are in doubt.

Glass panels on or around the door are vulnerable and should be replaced with laminated glass if possible.

Fit a door viewer, and look through it to identify callers before you open the door

Having a door chain helps you to speak to strangers at the door without letting them in. Remember if in doubt, keep them out. Buy a chain and use it every time you open the door.

Letterbox cages can be useful for preventing people from interfering with your locks and door viewers.

Windows

When you go out, always lock the door and close the windows – even if you are just going out for a short time.
Window locks will help stop people getting in – a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window

Spare Keys

Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat or in a flowerpot – a thief will know all the usual hiding places.

Never leave your house or car keys on a table or ledge near a door or window, some thieves have been known to use a fishing rod or magnet on a stick to steal them through the letterbox.

Fences

The back of your property is sometime the most vulnerable, as burglars can often access rear windows or doors without being seen. Placing a fence or wall approximately six feet high around the back garden will help to deter unwanted visitors, but make sure it is kept in a good state of repair. Make sure that passers-by can still see the front of your home so that a burglar can’t work without being seen.

Garages

Garages can contain a great deal of valuable property. Make sure any windows are fitted with locks, and doors should either be lockable or secured by padlocks.

If you have a door that leads from the garage into the house make sure it is as secure as your front or rear door.

Sheds

Sheds are a popular target for burglars as they are often overlooked when security is being considered. Secure your shed door with a sturdy padlock and ensure it is hung on strong hinges that cannot be easily unscrewed.

Plants & Bushes

Plants and bushes with thorny stems or spiny leaves such as hawthorn, roses or holly can provide inexpensive and unobtrusive security. These are just a few suggestions – ask at your local garden centre for more information

Garden furniture and ornaments

Any valuable garden furniture or ornaments such as statues or planters can be anchored to the ground and property marked with your postcode and house number

Ladders &Tools

Don’t make a burglars life easier by leaving tools or ladders outside or stored in insecure sheds or garages. They can be used as the perfect tool for forcing entry to your property.

Alarms

If a burglar can see a burglar alarm, it will make them think twice about breaking into a property, get professional help to install the alarm to make sure that it will work properly.

Lighting

Good lighting is a worthwhile addition to any home security plan. Make sure the lighting you choose is not intruding into your neighbours house. Dusk to dawn lights fitted with photoelectric cells are preferable, they are energy saving and provide less obtrusive light.

Passageways at side of house

Fit a strong, lockable, high gates across passageways to stop a thief getting to the back of your home where they can work undisturbed.

Going away

Don’t advertise your absence when you’re on holiday – cancel milk or newspaper deliveries when you go away, use timer switches to turn on some lights when it goes dark. Put all your valuables out of sight and don’t leave the curtains drawn all the time. If you can get a neighbour to look after your home while you are away so they can take in the post, draw curtains etc. Also offer to allow them to park a car on your drive while you’re away.

Timers

Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight – they will create the impression that someone is in.

Good Neighbours

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the Police. Join a neighbourhood watch scheme. Anyone can start up a neighbourhood watch scheme – ask at your local police station for details, visit www.neighbourhoodwatch.net or contact your local Neighbourhood beat manager - link http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/v3/about/nbm/index.htm

Property Marking

Mark your belongings with your postcode. This may put burglars off as it will make your belongings harder to sell, and can help the Police to return them if they are found. This can be done in a variety of ways with property marking kits from DIY stores and stationers or permanently etching to engraving kits, ink dyes, microdots and micro chips.

Take photographs of valuable items like jewellery and silverware that you don’t want to mark and write down the serial numbers of your TV, video, stereo and camera equipment to help Police identify them if they are stolen.

Cash

Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home – use a bank account instead

Fire Safety

When you are fitting security devices, you must consider the risk of fire and means of escape. Fit at least one smoke detector on every floor of your home. Follow the manufacturers instructions carefully.

Insurance

Make sure you have up to date contents insurance. Insurance will take away the financial worry of replacing stolen goods and many insurance companies offer reduced premiums for people with good home security. Ask your insurance company which security systems it recommends.

Checking Callers

Most people who come to your door will be genuine callers. But it’s best to make sure. If you were not expecting someone to call, a genuine caller will not mind waiting outside while you contact their company. Find the phone number in the phone book, or look on your last bill.

For further crime prevention advice, contact the local Crime Prevention Officer on 01726 222493 or your local Neighbourhood Beat Manager

Vehicle Safety

Cars

The majority of car crime is opportunistic and can be prevented, we don’t want you to become a victim, follow these simple steps to outsmart the criminals.

When you leave your car, even if for a short time:

• Always lock the doors.
• Always close the windows
• Remove the ignition key – even when filling up with petrol.
• Don’t leave anything on display in your car - its an invitation to criminals – even a jacket can seem an appealing target for someone to ‘smash and grab’
• Remove the stereo if you can, its one of the most sought after items. Consider marking it with the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)
• Tuck in the wing mirrors
• Put down the aerial

Security

• Fit a lock or another security device, they are great deterrents to vehicle crime. Steering wheel and gear stick locks are not expensive and are easy to fit
• Lockable fuel caps are advisable
• Think about having the windows etched with the cars vehicle registration number (VRN) and make a note of its chassis number.
• Consider security marking all your valuables, especially those that you frequently take in your car.
• Many thieves target alloy wheels and tyres from steel wheels. Fit locking wheel nuts, they are not expensive and are easy to fit.
• Immobilisers are very effective, to find out more call the Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 5502006
• Never store your car’s documents in the car

Parking

• Park in your garage if you have one
• If you can’t park in a garage always try to park in a well lit, open location.
• When parking in public car parks, look out for car parks that are part of the ‘Secured Car Parks Scheme’, which aim to make car parks safer

Keep you keys safe

• Keep your car keys in a safe place, even in your house, so that someone breaking in cannot steal your car too.

For more information visit www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk

Bicycles

Get a good bike lock. Look for Sold Secure Ltd approved locks, or ask for a recommendation at a bike shop.

• Lock your bike to something secure – a bike rack or lamppost.
• Lock up removable parts such as wheels, or take them with you (e.g. light fittings)
• Think about having your bike security-marked or engraved.
• Don’t leave bikes lying around your drive or garden – lock them away.

For more information visit www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk

Motorbikes

• Always lock your bike, and set its alarm if it has one.
• When leaving your bike for some time, try to lock it so something secure.
• At home fit special attachments to lock your bike to.
• Use a motorbike cover.
• Have the vehicle marked with its vehicle identification number (VIN)

For more information visit www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk

Beach Safety

• Don’t leave your belongings and valuables such as wallets, mobile phones and cameras unattended on the beach.
• Surfers – don’t leave your car keys on wheel arches, that’s the first place a criminal will look when trying to steal your car or property from it.
• Don’t mix alcohol and swimming, you will be putting yourself at risk.
• Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them.
• Look at the beach safety signs.
• Ask the lifeguard for advice
• Get a friend to swim with you.
• Stick your hand in the air and shout for help if in difficulty.
• Protect yourself from the sun – always use sunscreens.
• Cover up cuts before swimming in the sea
• Take hand-wipes to wash hands before eating and drinking.
• Avoid splashing or swallowing stream water.

For further information visit www.beachrescue.org.uk

Night time safety

Walking

• Look and act confident – plan your route, know where you are going and how to get there. Carry a personal alarm
• Let someone know, or at least leave a note to say where you are, where you are going and when you will be back. If your plans change tell someone
• You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas, if necessary go out of your way to avoid dimly or unlit areas. Never use short cuts, such as unlit alleys, routes across waste ground or paths through woods.
• Walk on the pathway closets to oncoming traffic. Never accept a lift
• Carry your bag close to your body, don’t leave any valuable within easy view or reach. If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than get into a confrontation and risk injury.
• Dress appropriately and wear clothes and shoes that are easy to move in. Try to keep one hand free. Laden down with bags you’re less mobile.
• Use your senses and be aware of your surroundings. Wearing a personal stereo will dull your hearing.
• Be on your guard with strangers; avoid that seem threatening, be wary of parked vehicles with the engine running and people sitting in them.

If you do meet a problem:

• If you think someone is following you, check by crossing and re-crossing the street. If they persist, move quickly to the nearest place with people and call the Police.
• Walk away as fast as you can. Head for a place where you know there are people.
• If a vehicle stops next to you and you are threatened, turn and move quickly in the opposite direction, you can turn faster than a car. Make for the nearest public place and phone the Police.
• Don’t look back, try not to panic. Take deep breaths so you can breathe properly and reduce tension.
• If you are trapped, yell or scream, your voice is your best defence. Shout ‘phone the police’ or another specific instruction to which people respond quickly and use you personal alarm. Physical self-defence should only be a last resort.
• Report the incident as soon as possible – you may save someone else.
  

Public Transport

• Know where you are going and which stop you need. Check departure times, especially of last buses or trains. www.nationalrail.co.uk www.firstgroup.com www.truronian.co.uk
• Wait where it is well lit and there are other people. Have your ticket or change ready
• Sit near other people, near the driver if you are in a bus, or near the conductor if you are on a train – move if someone makes you feel uncomfortable. If there is an incident, alert the driver or conductor by making as much noise as possible.
• If travelling at night or in an unfamiliar area, arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or training station. Otherwise try to walk near other people with whom you feel safe, and walk purposefully to your destination

Driving

• Keep you car in good condition and try not to run out of petrol.
• Keep doors locked when driving, and keep valuables out of sight.
• Try to park in well-lit or busy areas. If you park during the day, think about that the area will feel like after dark.
• Do not give lifts or accept lifts with people you do not know, or do not know well.
  

Taxis

• Always keep the number of a reliable firm handy. www.totaltravel.co.uk/travel/west-country
• If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Check that the taxi that arrives if the one you ordered. If in any doubt, don’t get in the taxi.
• Always sit behind the driver in the back seat. If you chat to the driver don’t give away any personal details. If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people.
• Before arriving at your destination, have your money and house keys ready. Leave the cab, pay the driver and enter your home quickly.

If you see someone else in danger – ring 999 – ask for the police and give a clear message with the location.

Getting home safely

To reduce the risk of having your property stolen it is best to spread your valuables around your body. E.g. keep your phone in your bag, your keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket.

• In public places keep don’t leave your belongings unattended, keep your bags and coats with you.
• Don’t be obvious about the valuables you are carrying. Talking on your mobile, carrying your laptop, or showing your friend your new jewellery all show thieves that you are worth robbing.
• When out walking or jogging, don’t listen to a personal stereo through headphones, you need to stay more alert to your surroundings.
• Mobiles are attractive to thieves, register your details with www.immobilise.com, then if your phone gets lost or stolen and recovered by the Police they can return it to you.
  

Attitude

• Avoid confrontation, do not meet aggression with aggression. Talk your way out of problems; stay calm, speak gently, slowly and clearly. Breathe out slowly to help you relax.
• Respect other peoples space. Each of us has our personal buffer zone that we are quick to defend.
• Drinking alcohol lowers natural inhibitors to behaviour. Drink to excess and you may offend someone without realising it.

Nights out

• Plan your night out, including the journey there and back, avoid going alone, friends can watch out for each other.
• Remember, alcohol effects your actions and your reactions as well as your ability to be alert. The worse you are for drink the less likely you are to spot something suspicious.
• Never accept a drink from someone you do not completely trust, don’t share or exchange drinks.
• Drink spiking can happen. Minimise the opportunity by looking after your glass or bottle.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended, when going onto the dance floor and when going to the toilet.
• Do not accept a cigarette from anybody. Only light and smoke your own.
• Think very carefully whether you should leave the pub, club or party with someone you’ve just met and know nothing about.
• If you think you have been spiked seek help from a trusted friend or a senior/responsible member of the club or pub management. It is very important to get to a place of safety as soon as possible.
• Remember drug rape can and does happen to men as well as women.

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