Keep your smallholding safe this summer say police (From Smallholder)

Keep your smallholding safe this summer say police

8:20am Saturday 28th July 2012 in News

March and Chatteris Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team (SNT) have realised that in conjunction with the warm weather many people are now becoming accustomed to leaving their windows and doors open, with the intention of creating a somewhat, well ventilated, atmosphere within their respective houses.

Unfortunately they say, there have been a few reported cases whereby the occupants have left the property unattended whilst the property windows and back doors had been left open. They would like to encourage everyone to ensure that their cars, property, and belongings are kept secured when not being supervised.

As always, they would like to remind people of the " 12 Commandments Of Crime Prevention" 

• Make sure your home looks occupied. Ideally ask a trusted neighbour to look after house (collecting mail, watering plants looking after pets etc) Let them have a spare key but don’t put name and address on it.
• Lock all windows and doors, and ensure devices such as alarms are working. Burglars only need a 23cm (9”) gap to get into a premises.
• Don’t leave valuables on show, pull down blinds or store items out of view wherever possible.
• Use timer switches and low energy light bulbs, especially when properties are vacant for long periods.
• Leave a radio switched on in a hall way. Create an illusion that somebody is home.
• Avoid leaving spare keys to the house outside in a garage or shed.
• Check that outside areas such as sheds and outbuildings are secure and items are stored safely (tools left lying around may be used to break into the property).
• Gardens should be kept tidy and free of debris, as unkempt gardens may signal that the property is empty. Cut lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
• Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home.
• Do not put home address on luggage when travelling abroad to your holiday destination.
• Ask a neighbour to park a vehicle on your drive, and move it regularly.
• Keep in contact with neighbours and report any unusual activity