Home Security

Herefordshire's home burglary rate is lower than the national average. However, it is hoped that, by following some of the recommendations below you may make it even harder for a criminal to target you and your property.

Most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves who are looking for the easiest way of getting into a house without being seen or disturbed.

To prevent these opportunities, homeowners should ensure all doors, windows, gates, garages and sheds are closed and locked, and items which may assist potential criminals such as ladders or garden tools are locked away.

If you are away from home, newspapers and post left in the letter box, curtains closed during the day or open at night, unlit houses after dark and an empty driveway all give clues to an unoccupied house, which is far more likely to be targeted than one which appears to be occupied and properly secured. If possible cancel your newspaper delivery and ask a friend or neighbour to remove your post and open and close your curtains and to generally keep an eye on your home in your absence.

We also suggest that property is marked with your house name or number and post code, and photos are taken. This will discourage burglars from stealing property and will help Police return stolen items.

For more information on securing your property, please visit the West Mercia Police website.

Top Ten Tips

If you want to be certain your house is as safe as you can possibly make it, then follow these top tips:

1. Fit strong locks to external doors and windows, making sure they're locked at all times

2. Always remove all keys from inside locks, keeping them safe and out of sight

3. Fit sturdy deadlocks to all doors (British Standard - BS3621)

4. Make sure your doors and frames are strong and in good condition - wood doors should be at least 44mm thick

5. Mark your property - this helps Police verify it's stolen and belongs to you!

6. Fit a door chain and door viewer (spy-hole) and always use them!

7. Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, in a flowerpot or behind a loose brick - thieves know to look there first!

8. When you're out in the evening, leave your energy saving lights on (not in the hallway!) and shut the curtains

9. Install outside security lighting - if other people can see your property, a burglar may think twice

10. Keep your ladders and tools securely locked up - this stops a burglar using them to access your home!

How Safe Is Your Home?

Do you want to know how secure your home is? Then take the quick three minute online questionnaire with the Home Office and find out how you rate! To take this handy test visit the Home Office Website.

Resources

Home Security Guide

This 20 page Home Office booklet, gives valuable information on securing your home

1930kb

If you need help to understand a document, or would like it in another format or language, please call 01432 260500 or email info@herefordshire.gov.uk

Adobe offer a free Reader to view these files which can be downloaded from their website

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Herefordshire Council, Brockington, Hereford. HR1 1SH | Tel: (01432) 260000 | info@herefordshire.gov.uk