Home Security

Burglary remains rare - less than one per cent of homes are burgled each year in West Mercia. The summer months can be a time when your home is more vulnerable, however.  Hot weather tempts people to leave windows and doors open and homes are left unattended when people go on their summer holidays.

The good news is that there are lots of things you can do do improve your home security.   Most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves rather than ‘professional’ criminals who are looking for the easiest way of getting into a house without being seen or disturbed. If you can close off these opportunities you are much less likely to be burgled.

• Don't leave side gates open or unlocked
• Make sure you shut any accessible windows if rooms are unattended or overnight.
• Don't leave ladders out allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows.
• Store securely any garden tools which could be used to force entry.
• Keep hedges trimmed and low so they don't provide cover for burglars to break in.
• Keep spare keys properly concealed and secured.
  
  

Going Away This Summer?

Don't forget to stay vigilant when preparing for your summer holiday.  Just a few simple steps will help to keep your home safe and secure while you're away.

• Let a neighbour or friend know that you're going away.
• Arrange for them to check on your house - collect mail, open / close curtains.
• Remember to cancel your milk and newspapers.
• Encourage a neighbour to park on your drive.
• Use timer switches to turn lights in during the evenings.
• Lock all external doors and windows and, if you have one, set your alarm.
  
• Keep all valuables out of sight.
• Don't put your home address on luggage label when travelling out to your destination - write them out before your return journey.
• Don't forget your garden! Effective garden security will help to keep your home secure.
• Royal Mail offer a Keepsafe service, where post is withheld for a period of up to two months and delivered to you on return from your holiday. For more information, visit www.royalmail.com.