Burglary Prevention Advice for Residents of Tamworth

Burglary Prevention Advice for Residents of Tamworth

Burglary Prevention Advice for Residents of Tamworth

Burglary is often an opportunistic crime. Simple security measures can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. The advice below is based on guidance from UK police crime prevention initiatives, Neighbourhood Watch, and policing best practice. [securedbydesign.com], [ourwatch.org.uk], [college.police.uk]

1. Lock Doors and Windows Every Time

Always lock doors and windows when leaving your property, even if you are only going into the garden.

Double-lock uPVC doors by lifting the handle and turning the key.

Ensure ground-floor and accessible windows are secured with suitable locks.

Keep spare keys out of sight and never hidden outside. [securedbydesign.com], [westmidlan....police.uk]

2. Keep Keys Away from Doors and Letterboxes

Store house keys and vehicle keys out of sight and away from doors, windows, cat flaps, and letterboxes.

Criminals may use "key fishing" techniques to steal keys through a letterbox. [securedbydesign.com], [wmnow.co.uk]

3. Make Your Home Look Occupied

Use timer switches on lights when out during the evening.

Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property if you're away.

Avoid advertising holidays or extended absences on social media until you return. [ourwatch.org.uk], [coventry.gov.uk]

4. Secure Sheds, Garages and Outbuildings

Lock garages, sheds and side gates whenever not in use.

Store tools, bicycles and gardening equipment securely.

Do not leave ladders or tools outside where they could help a burglar gain entry. [securedbydesign.com], [leics.pcc.police.uk], [westmidlan....police.uk]

5. Protect Valuable Property

Keep valuables such as laptops, tablets, jewellery and cash out of sight.

Consider storing high-value items in a quality safe.

Photograph valuable items and record serial numbers.

Mark property using a recognised property-marking system. [securedbydesign.com], [westmidlan....police.uk]

6. Improve Visibility Around Your Home

Keep hedges and shrubs trimmed to remove hiding places.

Install motion-activated security lighting.

Ensure front and rear entrances are well-lit. Physical security measures such as window locks, door locks and security lighting have been shown to reduce burglary risk. [college.police.uk], [leics.pcc.police.uk]

7. Consider Additional Security

Install a burglar alarm.

Consider a Smart Doorbell or CCTV system.

Ensure any security product purchased meets recognised standards, such as Police Preferred Specification through Secured by Design. [securedbydesign.com], [protectuk.police.uk]

8. Be Alert to Distraction Burglary

Never feel pressured to let someone into your home.

Ask for identification and verify credentials before opening the door.

If unsure, close the door and contact the organisation directly using a trusted phone number. [leics.pcc.police.uk], [westmidlan....police.uk]

9. Join or Support Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch helps residents share information, report suspicious activity and build safer communities. Evidence reviewed by the College of Policing suggests Neighbourhood Watch schemes can reduce crime.

Please use the following link in order to sign up to the Staffordshire Police Smart Alert messaging system - Home Page - Staffordshire Smart Alert

Useful Crime Prevention Links

Staffordshire Police Crime Prevention

🔗 https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/

West Midlands Police Home Security Advice

🔗 Protecting Your Home From Crime [westmidlan....police.uk]

Secured by Design (Official Police Security Initiative)

🔗 Secured by Design Home Security Advice [securedbydesign.com]

🔗 Secured by Design Home Security Guide [securedbydesign.com]

Neighbourhood Watch

🔗 Neighbourhood Watch Burglary Prevention Advice [ourwatch.org.uk]

🔗 https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/ [ourwatch.org.uk], [ourwatch.org.uk]

Crimestoppers

🔗 Crimestoppers UK ☎ Anonymous information: 0800 555 111

Report Crime

999 - Emergency, crime in progress, immediate threat to life.

101 - Non-emergency police reporting.

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 - Anonymous reporting.

Remember: Most burglars look for the easiest target. Simple actions such as locking windows, securing doors, storing keys safely, using timer lights and working with your neighbours can make your property far less attractive to criminals.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
James Skitt
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Tamworth)