Home security advice

Police in Shrewsbury are reminding residents of some simple crime prevention steps they can take to help protect their homes from burglars. We Don’t Buy Crime is West Mercia Police’s response to serious acquisitive crime – crimes such as burglary and theft - with a dedicated team working with local communities to help reduce burglaries.

As part of the initiative thousands of homes are protected with SmartWater forensic property marking and signs in place warning criminals the area is protected.

And, officers are reminding residents of the additional steps they can take to help prevent their home from being targeted.

Detective Constable Amy Furey said: ‘‘We understand the emotional impact being a victim of burglary can have and I would like to reassure our local communities we are doing everything we can to prevent these crimes. and in the unfortunate event someone is burgled we catch those responsible.

“We Don’t Buy Crime sees us work with local parish and town councils to protect whole communities with forensic property marking but we know there are other steps people can take to help protect their homes and property and want to remind residents of some simple crime prevention measures.”

Simple crime prevention tips include:-

• Ensure windows and external doors are secured with strong locks.
• Always lock doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’re just in the garden.
• Remember to double-lock UPVC doors (lift the handle and turn the key).
• We also recommend fitting anti-snap locks to front and back doors of your home.
• Make sure all keys, including car keys, are out of sight and away from the letterbox, as a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox. Consider using a faraday bag.
• Always keep valuables like tablets and laptops out of sight from windows and store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault. It is also recommended that you always take photos of all valuables, both those which are financially valuable and those which are of sentimental value.
• Consider investing in a professionally installed and monitored burglar alarm.
• Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.
• Visibly mark property and record the serial numbers for free on immobilise.com, the police's national property register, to aid recovery of any stolen items.

For more information and further crime prevention advice please visit https:// Crime prevention advice | West Mercia Police

To report a burglary to police ring 101 or visit Report a crime | West Mercia Police. If a burglary is taking place or you are in danger ring 999.

If you have information about burglaries but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can visit crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.

Issued by NH, Corporate Communications