Summer Time Tips

Summer Time Tips from our Newsletters

Its holiday time again . . .
But unfortunately burglars dont take too many holidays, so before you set off for sunnier climes it is wise to take a few precautions.
Here is a checklist of some of the things you should consider before going:

If you have small valuables that you are not taking with you, consider leaving them at your bank for safe keeping. The bank may make a small charge for this service - but it is worth it.
Post Code your property. We have information on how to do it and the equipment to do it with, just call us at the Police Station if you need help.
Arrange for pets to be cared for, either by neighbours or at a kennel or cattery.

Cut the lawn before you go. It helps to make your home look occupied, and it will not be too high when you get home!

Cancel deliveries of milk, newspapers, etc., but please do it discreetly - dont announce it to a shop full of people - you never know who may be listening.
Try to ensure your house looks occupied. Use automatic timers to switch on and off lights (upstairs and downstairs), and perhaps a radio.
Dont leave valuables, like TVs and Videos, visible through windows. If necessary, move them to another room.

Store garden tools away in the shed or garage and lock it. Besides the risk of these items being stolen, they could also be used to break into your home.
If you have a ladder lock it away or shackle it so it cannot be used.

Dont put your home address on your luggage for the outward journey. It could give a thief the vital knowledge that you will be away from home.
Finally, spend a few minutes before you depart just checking that your home is secure - you would be surprised how many houses are left unlocked due to the final dash to get to the airport!

Being a good neighbour is best!

The best deterrents against burglars are to have secure locks and make the house look occupied.
Most house hold burglaries are not planned, the thief sees a likely target and take a chance. They look for clues, like newspapers sticking out of letter boxes, un-drawn curtains at night or any other sign of an empty house.
Why not arrange with a neighbour to look after each others house while you are each away? Not just on annual holidays but during weekend breaks as well. It takes only a few minutes of your time each day. Here are some of the things you can do for each other:

Clear the mail away from the door mat.
Close the curtains at night and open them each morning.
Switch on and off lights and radios if timers are not used.
Put one of your bin bags outside the neighbours house on bin man day.
Park your car, or a visitors car, on their drive from time to time.

Summer is the time to get on your bike . . .
But how secure is your bicycle? Every year tens of thousands of bicycles are stolen and rarely to the owners get them back. You can help to safeguard your bicycle by using the following precautions: Have your bicycle marked with your postcode. We can do this for you with ultra violet marking pens and especially made cycle marking kit. Come along to the Police Station between 10am and noon on Saturday 18 August and we will mark your bicycle for you for free. Always lock your bicycle when you leave it, no matter for how short a time and especially when you put it in your garage or shed.
Make a note of the colour, make, model and serial number. We will give you a form to record this information when you have you bicycle marked. If you cannot get along to the cycle marking day, make a note of the cycle details on a sheet of paper and keep then separate from the bike. Remember to get your bicycle insured. Some companies may require a separate policy, so check if your policies cover your bikes before it is too late.
or your motorcycle . . .
Professional thieves target the machines they want . They either resell them or 'cannibalise' them to rebuild damaged machines. Make life as difficult as possible for thieves by:

Parking in busy, public places during the day.
In well lit areas at night.
Vary your parking place if possible.
whenever possible use custom built motorcycle parking areas, especially ones with fixed parking stands or loops.
Use car parks displaying the 'Secured Car Park' logo.
Always engage the steering lock.
Wherever possible, attach the motorcycle to an immovable object or another motorcycle using high tension steel cable and high quality padlock, or U-lock, through the rear wheel and/or frame.
Never leave your crash helmet, possessions or panniers with the machine.