Crime prevention and Community Safety

Challenging the Fear of Crime
Outside - your first line of defence
Is anybody home?
Help yourself - get equipped
Keep them out
Look before you open
Coded for keeps- identifying and protecting your property
Your Community
Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
Personal information and Safety
Home and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes
Contact us
Comments, Compliments and Complaints
Useful Links

Challenging the Fear of Crime

Although it is the job of the police to fight crime, we can all help to bring crime down. Most crime is against property, not people, and not many crimes are carefully planned. Most crimes are committed on the spur of the moment - possessions left in a car or a door or window to a house left open. But you can reduce the risk by securing your home and car. This will also help the police, by giving them more time to tackle serious crime. That's good for you and your family - because it makes your neighbourhood a safer place to live in.

The chances that you, or a member of your family, will be a victim of crime are low. Crimes and especially violent crimes are still comparatively rare. Nevertheless, many people are frightened that they, or someone close to them, will be the victim of crime.

The best way to minimise the risks of crime are by taking sensible precautions. Most people already do this as part of their everyday lives, often without realising it. Sensible precautions limit risk and reduce crime. This guide is aimed informing people of some of the very straightforward ways in which they can reduce crime for themselves and their community.

You can also follow the links at the end of this document for more advice and information.

Outside – your first line of defence

1. Walls and fences and gates

It’s important that fences are in good order, if not, repair them or report it to your housing officer.
Consider an outdoor light with a sensor that comes on when someone is around.
A thorny hedge along a boundary or a trellis on top of your fence can also be useful deterrents. Make sure the front of the house is still visible to passers by, so that a burglar can't work unseen.
And remember not to leave your wheelie bin out in the street where it could be used as a ladder to gain entry to your garden or house- try to store it somewhere secure where it cannot be stolen or moved.
If you have a passage leading to the rear of your house, stop a thief getting to the back of the house - where he can work with less chance of being seen - by fitting a bolted, high gate across the passage. If you share an alleyway with a neighbour, talk to him or her about sharing the cost.

See the links at the end of this document (under Useful Links) for more information on how to secure your home.

Is Anybody Home?

1. Lights

You can get plug-in timers for your lamps – and timers for your ceiling lights. Don’t just light up the hall. Fool a burglar by lighting up the landing, bathroom, bedroom and living room too and by varying the times each light comes on.

2. Sound advice

Use a plug in timer for a radio – make it a talk station rather than music. Radio 4 is good – it lasts all night.

3. Curtains

Get a trusted neighbour or friend to shut the curtains if you’re away. You could return the favour some time.

4. When on holiday

Cancel milk and papers, these are a signal that the house is empty if they build up.

4.Help Yourself- Get Equipped

A lot of burglaries can be prevented. Most are committed by opportunist thieves, and in two burglaries out of ten the thief does not have to force his way in because a door or window has been left open. Burglars like easy opportunities!

1. Mortice locks

Your front and back outside doors are thick enough for a five-lever mortice lock. Make sure it British Safety Standard BS3621 or another approved British Standard. Click on the following link for details and information on the standards of locks available:
Secure by Design website: http://www.securedbydesign.com/standards/index.asp (opens in a new window).

If other people such as previous tenants could still have keys that fit, change the locks or speak to your landlord. Don't give keys to workmen or tradesmen that you don’t know, as they can easily make copies.

2. Window locks

The best type for a wooden frame does not involve any of the window catches – it pulls the window onto the frame with a key. Fit two locks on a big window.
Click on the Secure by Design website address (In section 1.Mortice Locks, above) for details of the recommended standards for locks.

3. Double glazing

The safest double glazing has bolts that shoot into the frame for extra security Laminated glass is better than toughened because it stays in place when it’s smashed – slowing a burglar down. It is safer for kids too because toughened glass shatters into tiny pieces.

4. Patio doors

Make these safer with a purpose-made lock or a security bar.

5. French windows

If both parts of your French windows open, and you only fit a lock to one – the other is a weak point. Consider mortice bolts for the top and bottom of each door. Fit them into the frame – not the other door.

6. Keys

Keep spare keys with a neighbour, friend or relative – not in the house. And never leave keys in the door or next to the door or window- some burglars have hooked or magnetic devices which could be used to grab your keys.
Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like under a doormat, in a flowerpot or inside a letterbox - a thief will look there first.

7. Dogs

Don’t rely just on your dog to protect your home. Also, if you are a tenant, check with your landlord to make sure you have permission to have a dog in your property.

8. House alarms

When alarms sound, most burglars grab what they can and run for it. Whichever type of alarm you choose, get a professional to fit it. A visible burglar alarm or alarm bell box on the outside of your property will make burglars think twice.
For further tips and advice see the website links under Useful Links at the endof this document

Keep Them Out

Doorstep crooks

Some criminals won’t go to the trouble of breaking into your home if they can just knock and be invited in. But don’t get it out of proportion – you’ve probably had many genuine callers at your front door and not one trickster. Bogus callers come in all shapes and sizes: young kids, pregnant women, and men – from the overalled and uniformed to the suited.

Bogus officials

Water board officials never need to come into your home to test water pressure or repair leaks – even in emergencies.

If they ever do need to get in they must send you a letter first making an appointment. Gas and electricity meter readers want you to check their identity before you let them in. If in doubt, ring up the utility company and check. Genuine callers don’t mind this in the least. Keep the phone numbers handy.

Shut the door while you’re checking – genuine callers don’t mind! You could always join the password scheme so the meter reader gives you an arranged password when they call.

For information and advice on how to deal with bogus callers and officials, take a look at the following websites: (

http://www.bbc.co.uk/crime/prevention/boguscallers.shtml
http://www.direct.gov.uk/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/CrimePrevention/

Look before you open

Always look to see who is at the door before you open.

1. Door viewer

If your front door doesn’t have glass, fit a spy-hole. Or get into the habit of looking through a window near the door to see who is calling.

2. Door light

An outside light over the door will help you see a caller in the dark.

3. Door chain

If you need to open the door to make further checks, use a door chain or similar device.

Remember…

Don’t let people in until you know who they are
Keep the door locked while you check their story
If you let someone in, stay with them all the time
Never part with money or other things, whatever they say.
If suspicious – ring the police – 0161 872 5050 – or 999 in an emergency.
Get more than one estimate for work
Official organisations usually write first
Check identity cards thoroughly
Do not let callers put pressure on you to let them in;
If in doubt – Keep them out!

See the Useful Links section for access to more tips and advice.

Coded for Keeps- identifying and protecting your property.

1. Ultra-violet (UV) marking

UV marker pens cost about £1 from stationers and security shops. Use them to put your postcode and house number in invisible ink on the bottom of your valuables. If your things are found, the Police can read your details under UV light and get your property back to you. Do this every year, as the writing fades.

For more advice on property marking click on these links. (Links will open in a new window).

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/cpck.htm

2. Photographs

For small items like jewellery, photograph them against a ruler. A picture is worth a thousand words!

3. Sheds and garden security

Always make sure that your garage or garden shed is securely locked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house. Lock tools and ladders away so that a thief cannot use them to break in.
Remember to postcode anything of value in your shed. Your lawn mower will be harder for the burglar to sell on with your house number and postcode painted across it.

4. Padlocks

A good quality padlock – and the hasp and staple that go with it. It’s best to bolt the hasp and staple to the door and frame for extra strength.

5. Screw heads

Smear glue over the heads of screws or use anti-tamper screws.

6. Bicycles

Lock bikes to something fixed or bulky like a ladder or workbench. If you can, have your postcode stamped on each part of the bicycle, or use a property marking system.

For information, advice and links click on the following address:
http://www.bikeforall.net/category.aspx?id=137 (will open in a new window).

7. Garden tools

Don’t leave them lying around the garden, a burglar could use them to break in.

8. Vehicles

Never leave anything on display when you park your car. Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief.
Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your car from starting and are the best way to stop thieves. They should be professionally fitted by an approved installer.
When parking at home always use your garage if you have one. Always lock both your car and your garage. If you don't have a garage, always try to park in a well-lit, open place.
Those measuring up are entitled to display the official gold or silver 'Secured Car Parks' emblem. To find out about 'Secured Car Parks' in your area, contact the crime prevention officer at your local police station, or follow the link at the end of this section.
When using a public car park, always try and park your car in an attended, well-supervised car park with restricted entry and exit points, good lighting and security cameras. In multi-storey car parks, choose a widely visible bay.
Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police-approved secure car parking scheme (see the link at the end of this document); those measuring up are entitled to display the official gold or silver 'Secured Car Parks' emblem.
Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your car.
Car alarms can deter thieves from not only stealing your car, but also taking items from it. They need to be fitted by a professional. These are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.
Have your car registration number or the last 7 digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps.
Mark all your car equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number.

For further information and tips, see the links at the end of this document or follow the links below for advice on securing your car and preventing car crime. (Links will open in a new window).

http://www.saferparking.com
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/vcrat.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/crime/prevention/yourcar.shtml

Your Community

There is a lot we can do outside our home and family to prevent crime. We can take action by getting together with other people and working in partnership with the police and local Council to reduce crime in our Borough. We can help by simply being alert and observant when out and about in our neighbourhoods - or we could apply to join the local Neighbourhood Watch or Special Constabulary. Anyone can play some part, however great or small.

The Useful Links section of this document gives links to websites offerig support and advice for residents wanting to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or Residents’ Association

Roads, footpaths and subways

You can help to maintain a safer environment by reporting to the authorities if streets, footpaths and subways are not well lit.

Building design

Developers and local authorities should demand that new developments like housing estates, shopping precincts and car parks are designed to minimise the opportunities for criminals, and to create attractive and welcoming environments. Many new developments have been designed using principles which help to design out crime- see the UK Police Secure by Design website by following the link below.
http://www.securedbydesign.com/ (will open in a new window).

Schools

Arson and vandalism cost schools dearly - between five and ten per cent of some education authorities' maintenance budgets are spent repairing vandalism damage. The money could be spent elsewhere by reducing vandalism through good design, sensible security measures and better management practices. Ask what your children's school is doing to prevent vandalism and the risk of arson.

Home insurance

Does your insurance company offer discounts on home insurance if you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch? Why not set up a Neighbourhood watch Scheme in your area (see 11. Home and Neighbourhood watch Schemes below)? If there is already an existing scheme, try to find an insurance company who offer discounts.

Mobile Phones

Every mobile phone has a unique identification or IMEI number - Dial*#06# to get yours and make a note of it so that if it is stolen, you can give it to the police to help recover, or to your service provider to stop the phone being used by anyone else.

Tackling Anti Social Behaviour (ASB)

Anti social behaviour can range from noisy neighbours to neighbourhood disputes and from aggressive or threatening behaviour to vandalism. Some of this behaviour is unlawful and some of this behaviour is just simply a nuisance. What it does have in common is that it raises the fear of crime, lowers the standards of an area and, very often, is the entry point for areas to become crime hot spots.

If you are a victim of Anti Social Behaviour, please see the corresponding Anti- social Behaviour Information Section on this website or click on the following link to Bolton at Home’s ASB information pages.

http://www.boltonathome.org.uk/content/Anti-Social%20Behaviour1.htm

For information on the government’s Tackling ASB campaign see the following pages:

http://www.together.gov.uk/home.asp (opens in a new window).

Personal Information & Safety

Here are just a few tips- see the links in the Useful Links section

Use only your surname and initials on nameplates and in the telephone directory- that way strangers won’t know if a man or a woman lives there.
If you are selling your home, don’t show people around on your own- ask your estate agent to be present or send a representative. If you’re selling your own house ask a friend or relative to be there.
When you answer the phone, just say hello- don’t give your number or name. Never reveal any information about yourself to a stranger and never say you are alone in the house.
Never throw bank statements, credit card bills or anything with your personal details printed on it – ‘identity’ theives and ‘bin-ratters’ can steal your personal details. Always try to shred your documents instead.

For more tips on how to prevent ‘identity’ and personal information theft see the following web sites: (Links open in a new window).

http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/theft1.htm
http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/moneyweekly/identitytheftprevention.html

Home and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes

Protecting your home is fine, but you will enjoy greater security and peace of mind if everyone around is working with you. An enthusiastic home or neighbourhood watch scheme will deter burglars. Contact your local police station or access one of the links at the end of this document for help, information or advice in setting one up.

Schemes can develop close links with the police, who can provide advice and information about local problems. Well-run schemes can have a big impact on local crime. Follow the links at the end of this document, or click on the following links for more information and support from the National Neighbourhood Watch Association http://www.neighbourhoodwatch.net/
and Neighbourhood and Home Watch in the UK http://www.ukwatch.org.uk/

And remember….

Prevention is better than cure.

Contact us

For more information please contact Justine Foster on 01204 335413.
Or email justine.foster@boltonathome.org.uk.

Comments, compliments and complaints

If you would like more information, or have a comment, complaint or suggestion about how we can improve our services or complain to us about a service you have received. A form is available from reception areas or by using the feedback form link below, alternatively you can contact us directly on 01204 335765 and we will send you one.

You can also give us feedback in writing to:

Best Practice and Performance Team
Bolton at Home
FREEPOST NAT13006
Bolton
BL1 8ZZ

Useful Links

Feedback form

All links open in a new window

General sites
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/cp_index.htm
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk
http://www.cjsonline.org.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/crime/

National Neighbourhood Watch Association and others
http://www.neighbourhoodwatch.net/
http://www.ukwatch.org.uk/

Federation of Private Residents’ Associations
http://www.fpra.org.uk/

BATRA- Bolton Affiliation of Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations
http://www.batra-bolton.org.uk/

Tenant Participation Advisory service
http://www.tpas.org.uk/index.asp

Further Information on Setting up a Residents’ or Tenants’ Association
http://www.active-citizen.org.uk/

Together campaign- Stop Anti-Social Behaviour
http://www.together.gov.uk/home.asp

Bolton at Home’s Anti-Social Behaviour Information
http://www.boltonathome.org.uk/content/Anti-Social%20Behaviour1.htm

Crime stoppers- if you have information about crime
http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

Vehicles
http://www.saferparking.com
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/vcrat.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/crime/prevention/yourcar.shtml

Security Tips for Bicycles
http://www.bikeforall.net/category.aspx?id=137

Identity Theft Information
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/theft1.htm
http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/moneyweekly/identitytheftprevention.html

Dealing with bogus callers
http://www.bbc.co.uk/crime/prevention/boguscallers.shtml
http://www.direct.gov.uk/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/CrimePrevention/

Links to other organisations
http://www.community-safety.net/links.htm
http://www.bl.uk/collections/social/actcit6.html

For students
http://www.nusonline.co.uk/info/crimeprevention/

Local Organisations

Lancashire Partnership against crime
http://www.lanpac.co.uk

Greater Manchester Police
http://www.gmp.police.uk

Property Marking
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/cpck.htm

Age Concern- Crime Prevention for Older People
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/information_313.htm

Local Crime Reduction Strategy- document
http://www.bolton.gov.uk/pls/portal92/docs/11013.PDF

Secure by design- designing out Crime
http://www.securedbydesign.com/