1. home and garden
2. gardening and landscaping
3. yard and patio

HOW TO
AVOID
BECOMING
A TARGET
FOR CRIME
FAMILY CRIME REDUCTION GUIDE
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39
SECTION 2.
GOING ON HOLIDAY 53
CONTENTS
SECTION 1.
HOME SECURITY:
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME ARE YOU IN? PHYSICAL SECURITY DOORSTEP CROOKS FURTHER PROTECTION SECTION 3.
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE 57
SECTION 4.
PROTECT YOUR CARAVAN 63
SECTION 5.
PERSONAL SAFETY 67
SECTION 6.
USEFUL CONTACTS 92
SECTION 7.
GLOSSARY 94
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Crime can affect anyone.
You don’t have to be a victim to suffer crime. The fear of
crime can also reduce quality of life.
This book aims to make you, your family, friends and
neighbours, feel safe and secure.
From toddlers to teenagers, students moving out of the
family home, older residents living on their own, to the new
home owner. These are just some of the people who could
benefit from information and guidance in this book.
This book generally outlines measures that could be taken to reasonably reduce the opportunity of crime.
The recommendations are based on current best practice.
Remember that most crime is preventable and you
don’t have to be a victim.
Any crime risk assessment should be based on crime trends and patterns, indicating reasonable, practical and
cost-effective measures, which can be incorporated to reduce the risk of crime.
There can never be any guarantee that crime will be effectively reduced.
It is strongly recommended that other statutory bodies are consulted, e.g. Health & Safety, Fire Prevention,
etc. and especially Development Control covered by Town Planning Legislation (consult your local authority
Planning Officer).
The guidance on legislation is not meant to be an accurate statement of the law, but to offer guidance only.
You would not be able to rely on it to provide a defence to any criminal charge or civil claim.
The cost of producing this book has been funded by the Greater Manchester High Sheriff’s
Police Trust. We would like to thank the Chair and Trustees for their support.
SECTION 1
HOME SECURITY: OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
INTRODUCTION
Forget all the myths that a burglar is
some type of ‘Master Criminal’ who
‘cases the joint’, studying your every
movement. In the world away from
television, the average burglar is usually
a young person looking for the easiest
way into a home without being seen
or disturbed.
DID YOU
KNOW?
The evidence suggests that once thieves
have broken into your home and got
away with it, they may be back again
in a short space of time unless you
do something to prevent it recurring.
If positive action is taken, you will
substantially reduce the chance of a
repeat visit.
There are many things you can do to
deter a burglar from breaking into your
home. It’s a mistake to rely on only one
or two deterrents – the more you have,
the safer you are.
In some cases, the thief didn’t
have to force entry into a home.
In nearly a third of all burglaries
the residents had left windows or
a door open when they went out.
It’s easy to make it hard
for a burglar.
Read on for more details…
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
Is your house number visible in the dark?
Help the emergency services find you
If any of the emergency services have
to attend your home, make sure they
can find you and your house quickly.
Step outside your home tonight when
it’s dark and see if your house number
is visible from the road.
Fences
Making thieves feel exposed when they
approach the front of your property
can help. Low hedges and low fencing
(or transparent high fences) will
increase the feeling of being exposed,
as will outside lighting.
FRONT OF HOUSE ILLUSTRATION
Most burglars break into a house from
the back. Good rear garden fences or
hedges, coupled with a side gate will
help protect your home. Side gates are
best positioned level with the front of
your house so they can be seen.
When choosing the type of fence,
you should consider the view your
neighbours or the public have of the
front and rear of your home. A high
fence may be difficult to climb over but
can stop people casually observing your
house. A low fence is easy to climb over
but enables everybody to see a burglar.
Fencing with trellis on the top is
difficult to climb over but does not
obstruct visibility.
Being a nuisance means that it is likely
to cause injury to people or animals
using the highway.
In practice, most Local Authority
Highways Departments usually consider
that barbed wire only lower than
eight feet from the ground could be a
nuisance to highway users.
The term ‘barbed wire’ means anything
with spikes or jagged projections, this
would also include the wooden carpet
gripper strips which have nails sticking
up through the wood.
If the barbed wire is not adjoining the
highway and an injury results, you
could still be faced with a claim for
damages under the Occupier Liability
Acts. Occupiers of premises have a
duty of care to people entering or
using their premises. This duty even
extends to trespassers, although it
is not as extensive as it is to people
lawfully using or visiting the premises.
So burglars who were not aware that
barbed wire was on top of a fence and
injured themselves on it, could have a
claim against you, despite the fact that
they were trespassing.
Barbed wire may be used to defend
your property but the law puts certain
restrictions on its use.
If you wish to have some sort of barbed
wire protecting your property, it may
be a good idea to check with your home
insurance company to ensure you would
be covered in the event of a person
claiming for an injury caused.
Section 164 Highways Act 1980 says:
“Where on land adjoining a highway
there is a fence made with barbed wire
It is for the above reasons that most
residents prefer to use Mother Nature’s
own barbed wire, a prickly bush.
The use of barbed wire
in or on it and the wire is a nuisance to
the highway a notice may be issued by
the Local Authority for the ‘nuisance’ to
be removed”.
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
Garden security
The importance of stopping prowlers
and burglars from wandering through
your rear garden is obvious. The only
trouble is that not everybody wants to
live with a back garden that resembles
a prisoner of war camp, with barbed
wire fences around the perimeter!
A hedge made from a prickly bush
would deter most thieves from trying
to get through it. Alternatively, growing
prickly bushes next to a fence or
wall would also deter most trespassers
from climbing over it. Simple garden
maintenance is all it will need.
Trees
Trees are often chosen for their quick
growing ability alone, with little thought
to natural surveillance.
Hedges made from Cypress Leylandii
are ideal for providing privacy, but
they may stop neighbours from seeing
burglars breaking into a home after
they’ve pushed through the bushes.
TOP
SAFETY TIP
SHRUBS
There are numerous varieties of prickly
deciduous shrubs, which may be used
as an effective barrier. Growing prickly
shrubs next to your wall or fence would
deter most criminals from climbing over.
Climbing plants
Drain-pipes giving access to flat roofs
and windows can easily be protected by
barbed wire or anti-climb paint. Think
how much nicer a rambling rose such
as Leverkusen, which grows to about
10ft in height and produces pale yellow
flowers would be.
There are numerous other plant species
to suit your needs, whether you want
height, colour or scent. Some types are
more vigorous in their growth,
with Lawrence Johnston reaching a
height of 30ft.
If a holly such as Ilex Aquifolium were
planted instead you would still
have privacy but few thieves would
want to get through it.
The hawthorn ‘Paul Scarlet’ (Coccinea
Plena) not only bears beautiful scarlet
coloured blossoms, but has prickly
thorns. This is normally the best choice
for an average rear garden, as being
deciduous, it sheds its leaves in
autumn, letting neighbours see your
home in winter.
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SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
A guide to suitable prickly plants:
OUTSIDE LIGHTING
Low wattage lights
Berberis x Ottawensis A medium-sized
deciduous shrub with green, oval
leaves. Red berries in autumn. Reaches
6ft. Good for hedging.
There are several types of external
lighting systems.
Berberis x Stenophylla A medium- sized
evergreen shrub. Golden-yellow flowers
in April / May. Berries in autumn.
Reaches 6ft. Good for hedging.
As you will probably not want a
floodlight on all the time, there is a
type of system which uses a Passive
Infra-Red (PIR) sensor, which when
it has detected a person in its range,
automatically switches on a quartz
halogen type floodlight.
Some people prefer external lighting
that comes on automatically at dusk
and stays on all night until dawn.
This is particularly beneficial where
the property is overlooked by people
passing by or residents.
Pink Lady (Chaenomeles x Superba)
A deciduous shrub with pink flowers in
spring and yellow quinces in autumn.
A fast grower. Can be trained against
a wall.
Common Hawthorn (Crataegus
Monogyna). Fragrant white flowers in
May and red ‘haws’ in autumn. Forms an
impenetrable hedge.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae
Rhamnoides) A shrub growing up to
10ft. Silvery leaves in summer followed
by yellow berries. Plant in groups for
pollination.
Winter Sun (Mahonia x Media) Vigorous
evergreen shrub growing up to 10ft
tall. Yellow flowers in autumn/winter.
Berries in late winter.
Blackthorn or Sloe (Prunus Spinosa)
A dense shrub. White flowers in April/
May. Good hedging plant.
Firethorn (Pyracantha Orange Glow)
An evergreen shrub, reaching 16ft as
a wall shrub. White flowers in May, red
berries into winter.
Firethorn (Pyracantha ‘Golden
Chamber’) A vigorous evergreen shrub.
White flowers in May followed by yellow
fruits. Ideal as a wall shrub.
‘Rubra’ (Rosa Rugosa) A strong
perpetual flowering shrub growing up
to 6ft tall. Crimson flowers followed
by red hips. Forms dense thickets and
excellent hedges.
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Floodlights
Imagine a burglar sneaking behind
a house at night being greeted by a
floodlight being switched on. Not many
stay to commit crime.
This type of unit may also help to
reduce the fear of crime. If you have
to go out to the rear of your property
at night it’s great to be welcomed by a
bright light. Be considerate. Make sure
your lighting doesn’t shine into your
neighbours’ rooms.
Better systems have the sensor in
a separate unit from the light. This
enables you to have more than one
PIR sensor or light, linked together in
one system.
If low wattage economy bulbs are used,
these are very efficient and can cost less
than 1p per night in electricity.
Siting of external lighting is important
to ensure that dark shadowed areas are
not created. Unlit areas can provide a
hiding place for a thief or instil a fear
that someone could be hiding there.
Lights can be controlled by timers so
that they go on and off at a set time
every day. Or by a photocell darkness
detector which switches the lights on or
off depending on the level of darkness.
Many types and styles of external lights
are available, from ornate coach lights
to practical bulkhead lamps. Ask your
hardware store for advice and suitability.
Remember to
choose a ‘hasp
& staple’ that is
bolted to the door
and frame for
extra strength.
SHED SECURITY
Now you’ve controlled entry to your
rear garden, don’t forget the garage
or shed. Any valuable electrical items
should be kept in the home if your shed
is particularly vulnerable, but if it is, it’s
time to do something about it!
It’s not unusual for burglars to use items
found in a shed to break into your home.
Remember to postcode tools (see ‘Make
Your Property Identifiable’ page 42).
If it’s impractical to postcode with
ultraviolet ink because of the wear an
item would get through regular use,
consider engraving or painting the
postcode onto the item.
Sheds: Padlocks
A good quality ‘hasp & staple’ with a
padlock is important on all sheds and
side doors to garages.
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SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
Sheds: Screw heads
Lawn mowers
Garden tools
Glue smeared over the heads of screws
in the external hinges of shed doors
or the side door of a garage may stop
a thief from simply unscrewing them.
Alternatively, replace a couple of
the screws in external hinges with a
special type that cannot be unscrewed
(sometimes called ‘clutch-head’,
‘anti-tamper’ or ‘coffin’ screws).
Lawn Mowers can cease to be attractive
to a thief if you paint your postcode
and house number across the top with
house paint.
Don’t leave tools in your garden like
spades, ladders, etc., for the burglar
to pick up. Ask your neighbours not to
either. Burglars don’t often carry tools,
but simply use items left lying around.
Sheds: Windows
When your door is secure, don’t forget
the windows. Perhaps the most effective
way of securing a shed window is to fit
internal bars or grilles.
Sheds: Alarms
Battery or mains powered shed alarms
are now commonly available in DIY
stores. If items within the shed are
physically secured, how many thieves
would spend time trying to release
these items when an alarm is ringing?
Use a bicycle lock to secure it to
something inside the shed.
Cycles
Always lock cycles to something fixed
or bulky while in the shed or garage
(e.g. the ladders or workbench), and
have them postcoded. Some cycle
dealers provide this service for a small
charge. Alternatively contact your local
police station for advice.
Always keep a record of the make,
model and frame number
Wheelie bins
Wheelie bins are sometimes used
as a climbing aid or as a means of
transporting property. Secure them.
Your checklist to security
House number visible from the street
Make people feel exposed while approaching the building
Restrict access to garden with fences and gates
Make fences difficult to climb over or get through
Understand all the implications when considering barbed wire
Choose plants that prevent access
Get good fences or hedges
Use garden lighting to deter trespassers
Locate lights in a position where they can’t be damaged
Try not to create dark shadowed areas
Secure outbuildings, especially sheds
Keep cycles locked, even inside the garage or shed
Keep a record of the cycle’s frame number and get it security marked
Lock lawn mowers to something secure or bulky. Paint your postcode across the top
Don’t leave tools and ladders lying around for burglars to use
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SECTION 1
HOME SECURITY: ARE YOU IN?
INTRODUCTION
Lighting
Burglars do not want to be seen or
disturbed. Convincing them that
someone is at home who will interrupt
them, is undoubtedly the best deterrent.
You can convince any potential burglar
that you are at home by having plug-in
timer controls for lamps. Technology
has now made it even easier with
the invention of cotton bobbin sized
gadgets that fit between the bulb and
the light socket. These automatically
switch on the light as programmed.
Read this section and then have a look
at the vast range of security products
available in any DIY store. There will
be something that will best suit your
personal lifestyle and work best for you.
TOP
SAFETY TIP
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Don’t just have the hall light switched
on when you’re not in. Have the
lights switching themselves on in the
bedroom, kitchen, lounge and even the
bathroom (not many people get out of
the bath to answer the door).
LIGHTING
Don’t limit the use of lights to evenings.
Remember that it is often dark enough
during a winters afternoon to merit
switching a light on earlier.
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SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: ARE YOU IN?
Internal sounds
Curtains
A plug-in-timer for the radio would
make it sound as if someone was home.
Tune the radio to a station which has
more talking than music.
Curtains can now be opened and
closed electronically, although it is
quite expensive.
As an alternative you can arrange for
your curtains to be closed in your
absence by giving a trusted neighbour
a key. Most neighbours wouldn’t mind.
You can be a good neighbour, return the
favour and do the same for them.
If curtains are not going to be drawn
while you are out, use timer switches
on low table lamps around the room,
instead of the main ceiling light.
AS IT GETS DARK HAVE THE LIGHTS SWITCHING THEMSELVES ON
AND OFF IN THE BEDROOM, KITCHEN, LOUNGE AND BATHROOM.
Set the lighting timers to come on when
it goes dark, especially if you tend to be
late home in winter.
Your safe and secure checklist
Make the home look occupied when you are out or away
Leave lights on in the bedroom and bathroom, not just in the hall
Automatic timers can switch on lights and radios
Get neighbours to close curtains for you
Remember that in winter it can go dark in the early afternoon
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SECTION 1
HOME SECURITY: PHYSICAL SECURITY
Check insurance
Doors: External
Most insurance companies now insist
on a specified level of physical security
detailed in your policy. Many insist on a
home having a five-lever mortise lock
on the front and back door and of
course, window locks on all easily
accessible windows.
Locks are only as good as the quality of
the wood in the door and frame, or as
the security of the frame. Before fitting
any additional locks it may be better to
have a builder or joiner further secure
the door frame to the brickwork.
Check your policy’s small print,
if in doubt check with your
insurance company before it’s
too late!
Many insurance companies now offer
discounts to houses with alarms, good
quality locks and if you’re in a Home
Watch area or group.
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Check your door to see if it has weak
wooden panels. Some traditional back
doors which are glazed at the top with
a plywood panel at the bottom can be
vulnerable. You can strengthen the
panels by screwing on a piece of 1/2 inch
exterior grade plywood. When painted
the colour of your door, it isn’t that
noticeable and is much harder to force.
For a stronger fit, the new panel can
be bolted straight through the door
itself using round headed bolts on
the outside.
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SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: PHYSICAL SECURITY
Mortise lock
Patio doors
If you only have a traditional cylinder
rim night latch on your wooden front
door (a very common type that locks
whenever you slam the door), you
would be advised to fit an additional
mortise dead lock that needs a key to
open from either side of the door. If you
choose one that conforms to British
Standards (BS3621) or has at least 5
levers, this should be acceptable.
Sliding patio doors can be protected
by fitting one or two of the popular
purpose-made locks or a security bar.
Again seek a locksmith’s advice.
Check the door is thick enough to
accept the lock and keep its strength.
It may be better to approach a qualified
locksmith for advice.
Mortise bolts
As a mortise lock may be a little too
expensive, some people fit mortise
bolts instead to a wooden back door.
Mortise bolts are more secure than the
ornate little draw bolts, which are really
only suitable for wardrobes and not
as unsightly as a big draw bolt. With a
mortise bolt, one key fits all. When the
key is rotated in the keyhole, it makes a
bolt shoot out of the door into the door
frame. The key can only be used on the
inside of the door and is not suitable
on doors you regularly use to leave
your house.
If you are lucky enough to have a patio
door that slides on the inside of the
fixed panel, it can be secured very
effectively and cheaply. Put a piece of
wood in the full length of the floor
track between the door and the frame
(on the inside of course). The piece
of wood could be made to match the
wooden sill. This will make the door
almost impossible to force, even with
a crow-bar.
It is wise to check that doors which slide
on the outside of the fixed panel cannot
be lifted off their runners. Some double
glazing companies or security firms can
fit a metal block onto the frame just
above the door in its closed position.
This makes it impossible to lift off a
locked door.
French windows
If both doors in the french windows
open, then remember that the lock
which secures one door into the other is
only as strong as the door.
If the wood in the door is not thick
enough to allow mortise bolts to be
fitted or the style of the doors does
not allow it, you may have to consider
traditional draw bolts or surface
mounted bolts which lock.
Always remove the keys from the locks
to stop someone breaking a small pane
of glass and entering by using the key.
The glazed wooden doors in a french
window should be protected by fitting
mortise bolts to both the top and
bottom of each opening door. Bolts
should be fitted to go into the frame and
not the other door.
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SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: PHYSICAL SECURITY
To obtain the correct type of lock for a
wooden framed window, try to choose
the sort which does not involve any
of the window catches. The type of
lock that pulls the window into the
frame with a key are normally stronger.
They may even stop a person forcing
the window open or leaning through a
smaller window to undo it.
Look for the following British Standards
when choosing double glazing:-
Self-locking window locks are a little
more expensive than other types
but may be more convenient to use
on windows which are frequently
opened and closed such as bathroom
windows, etc.
Louvre windows on the ground floor
should generally be avoided. If you
cannot replace a louvre window, consult
a glazing firm who may be able to
secure each pane of glass in each frame
with strong adhesive.
Double glazing
If choosing double glazed windows
check to see that it is not just the handle
that stops a window from opening.
Many windows available use a number
of bolts coming out of the opening
frame into the fixed frame, operated
when the handle is turned. You should
need a key to unlock the window.
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STER
BS 7950 (security performance)
BS 7412 (window performance)
Don’t rely on just verbal confirmation,
ask for written verification of these
standards.
If the opening section of the window
is quite large, fit two window locks.
Window locks can be supplied and
fitted by a locksmith but most types can
be fitted easily by anybody who can use
a screwdriver. It’s advisible to have a
locksmith check your work.
GI
D
Window locks
BSI
RE
It is advisable to check with the
company which installed the
double glazing, before fitting any
additional locks to windows or doors.
Unauthorised fitting may invalidate
the guarantee.
E
WINDOWS
It can be argued that for security and
safety, double glazing laminated glass
is preferable to toughened glass. When
broken, toughened glass breaks into
many small pieces over the entire pane
of glass. Laminated glass will break as
normal glass but will hold in place in the
window, slowing down a burglar from
entering or preventing children cutting
themselves.
Whether your window unit is glazed
from the inside or outside you should
be satisfied that the glass cannot
be removed without it being broken.
A good glazier familiar with UPVC
frames may be able to secure existing
externally beaded frames.
Fitting extra locks to UPVC or aluminium
framed doors is usually beyond the
amateur DIY person. If the door does
not lock along its full length, consult a
glazier or locksmith for advice or ask
them if they can do the job.
Doors: Internal
Locking internal doors while you are
away from the house can sometimes
stop a burglar from going further into
the home, but in other instances the
locking of an internal door can result
in a lot more damage if the door is
smashed down.
The locking of internal doors while you
are in the house may make you feel
more secure but consideration must be
given to escaping in the event of fire.
As with exterior doors, consider the
strength of the wood in the door and
how well the door frame is secured
before fitting any lock or bolt.
Remember that the majority of UPVC
doors don’t have an automatic lock
feature (they must be physically
locked with a key). If considering
double glazing, ask the supplier
about alternatives.
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SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: PHYSICAL SECURITY
Flats and apartments
There are strict regulations which
dictate the types of locks which may
be fitted to internal and external doors
of houses in multiple occupation (flats
or apartments).
Your safety in a fire is more important
than preventing burglary. You are
advised to seek professional advice
before making a costly mistake.
Door and window keys
It is always wise not to leave spare keys
for your windows, doors and car about
your home. By forcing criminals to leave
the same way as they entered you will
not only shorten the visit but minimise
your loss. Try getting a TV through a
small kitchen window!
Keys kept as spares in case you lose
your main set are always best left with
a neighbour, friend or relative.
If you use only one type of window
lock in your home, keep the key
on your main key ring and not near
every window.
Safes
Hiding belongings might be an
inconvenient way to live but using a
hidden safe to keep jewellery, valuables
and important documents can be a lot
more secure.
Dogs
Sometimes a dog can be a deterrent,
but most have the instinct to protect
their ‘pack’ (the family) and not bother if
a burglar calls when you’re not at home.
For most of you your dog will be a pet
and not raised as a guard dog.
Don’t rely on a dog to protect your
house, you’re taking a risk by taking no
other security precautions.
Remember your dog is less likely to be
in the home when you go on holiday or
go out for the day.
Don’t let the fact you have a pet deter
you from having a burglar alarm. It is
always taken into consideration when
the system is designed and fitted.
Most domestic safes are designed not
to be easily seen. Safes can be hidden
in cupboards or under the floorboards
fastened to the joists.
If you wish to protect items of high
value check with your house contents
insurance company first to see what
type of safe they recommend.
Some safes appear cheap to purchase
but are very difficult to fit. Discussing
your needs with a qualified locksmith
will help.
Never leave keys in the
door locks.
CCTV
CCTV covering the home and garden is
becoming more popular as costs reduce.
However, before you start looking at the
many different types of CCTV systems
available, ask yourself the questions:
• Why do I want CCTV?
• What do I want to achieve from a
CCTV system?
• What is the purpose of CCTV?
• Will the performance achieve
my expectations?
It should be you who is the
first one to test your system –
not the criminal.
There are only three main operational
requirements in installing CCTV:– 1. The anticipation of offences
– 2. The prevention of crime
– 3. The detection of offenders
• Will it be legal?
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SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: PHYSICAL SECURITY
Objective: Anticipation of offences
Objective: Prevention of offences
One of the objectives in installing a
CCTV system is to anticipate offences
about to be committed so that action
can be taken to stop the suspect before
a crime is committed.
Most people considering the installation
of a CCTV system have the main
objective of trying to prevent crime.
That is, they do not want to detect or
anticipate offences, only to stop them
happening in the first place!
The problem with trying to achieve
this objective is that for the system
to be effective, someone has to sit
monitoring the screens all the time. You
will probably not want to sit looking at a
blank monitor all day and night!
It is dependent on the individual
circumstances whether the image
should be recorded. In some situations
the person monitoring the screens
could switch on the recorder only
when something begins to happen.
Alternatively, other people prefer to
record constantly in case a person
misses seeing something (in which
case reference should be made to the
detection objective).
A CCTV system may be required to verify
a caller at a door. This type of situation
would also fall under this objective as
the occupant has installed the system
to anticipate an offender calling and
then being able to restrict entry.
A person’s attention is normally drawn
to the screen due to a doorbell or
similar, it’s usually not necessary to
record the image.
28
For a CCTV system to be a preventive
measure against any potential offender
it must be made obvious to the criminal
that you have a CCTV system. Cameras
should be visible and obtrusive – not
covert. Warning signs and logos should
be placed at all possible points of entry
to advertise your system, even if all the
cameras are ‘dummy’ units!
Objective: Detection of offenders
Time and time again people give the
police a recording of an entire garden
or driveway area and expect them to
enhance the picture so that they can
get a perfect picture of an offender.
The reality is totally different. The
technology does not currently exist to
enlarge and enhance any CCTV picture
so you can pick out detail. For example,
read a newspaper that someone in a
crowd is holding.
Thought has to be given on how
the images will be recorded. When
recording on tape, the quality of the
picture will depreciate the longer the
system is set to record. For example, a
picture from a tape recorded on 36 hour
time-lapse, or even ‘long play’,
will be appreciably worse in quality
than a picture from one recorded at
normal speed.
Remember when using video that you
must have a system which outlines how
often a tape is used and for how long
it is retained. You may wish to keep all
recorded tapes for a set time in case
offences do not get discovered until a
much later time or date.
Also remember that all video tapes
have a limited life as the picture quality
becomes appreciably worse with use.
The rule should be to use a tape for
only 12 recordings using one tape or
more in a 31 day cycle. The imaging or
video recorder itself will also need
regular maintenance.
When you are recording images it is
important to ensure that the recorder
itself is secure. Normal domestic video
recorders are very desirable to a thief
and you don’t want the evidence to
be stolen!
And finally...
CCTV should not be perceived as
a magic wand for preventing crime –
it is just one of many crime
prevention tools.
Unless the offender is already known
to the victim (e.g. a neighbour or person
with a grudge) or known to the police
(a well known local burglar), then a
head and shoulders shot is needed.
In reality this type of close-up shot is
very difficult to achieve. Apart from
the position of the camera, a bright
background outside may cause the
exposure to overcompensate and
silhouette the person in the picture.
29
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: PHYSICAL SECURITY
It is wise not to lock internal doors
that could block your escape route.
Always keep handy any keys needed
to let you get through an external
door so as not to delay your escape in
an emergency.
Your checklist to security
Considerations and possible solutions:
Check your insurance
requirements
Check all doors for:
Secure frames
Weak door panels
Improve door security by:
Fire
With all this security, some people
worry about escaping from a fire. Good
security is designed to stop burglars
getting in, not people getting out.
Burglars want to operate quietly without
being seen. If there was a fire you would
want everybody to see and hear you.
Mortise bolts
CCTV: What is the purpose of it?
Patio doors should not be able to
be forced open or lifted off their
runners
CCTV: Will the performance
achieve your expectations?
Improve window security by:
Choosing the correct type of
double glazing
Choosing the correct type of glass
Wooden windows should have a
lock separate to the handle
It is essential to fit a smoke alarm
to give early warning of the
outbreak of fire. Remember to be
safe, as well as secure.
Double Glazing: BS 7950 &
BS 7412
Consider all the implications of
locking internal doors
Don’t compromise your safety in
flats and apartments
Look after door and window keys
(keep hidden)
Consult a locksmith over a choice
of safe
30
CCTV: Why do you want it?
CCTV: What do you want to
achieve from a system?
Window locks
TOP
SAFETY TIP
CCTV: The first stage is to answer
the questions:-
Mortise locks
French windows should be locked
into the frame
SMOKE ALARMS
Your safety in a fire is more
important than property
protection
CCTV: Will it be legal?
There are only three objectives to
installing CCTV:
Anticipation of Offences
– Someone has to actually watch
the monitors
Prevention of Crime
– Cameras should be visible and
intrusive
– Consider extra ‘dummy’ camera
– Advertise the CCTV system with
signs and posters
Detection of Offenders
– Site the cameras carefully
– Try and obtain a close-up
of offenders
– Know how long to retain a tape
– Know when to change a tape
31
SECTION 1
HOME SECURITY: DOORSTEP CROOKS
Some criminals won’t go to the trouble
of breaking into your home if they can
just knock and be invited in. They either
distract the resident whilst they steal
items or trick the person into paying too
much for a simple job.
non-victims of a similar age. The
study also found that victims of
doorstep crime are 2.4 times more
likely to be in residential care two
years after the burglary than their
non-burgled neighbours.
Academic research informs us that
a victim of this sort of crime is
most frequently:
What should a potential victim do?
• An elderly person
• Female
• Living alone
• Targeted after a bereavement
Remember: that it is not unusual for
younger people to also be victims
of crime.
Studies inform us that only 1 in 10
crimes are reported. Reasons for
under-reporting include embarrassment,
fear and the possibility of losing
one’s independence.
A study into the impact of doorstep
crime on older victims has shown that
their health declines faster than
TOP
SAFETY TIP
32
You’ve probably had many genuine
callers at your front door and not one
of them was a ‘con artist’ so it’s not
worth losing sleep over something that
may never happen. However, it is worth
getting into the habit of taking a few
extra seconds to check every caller at
the door properly.
Always look to see who is at the
door before you open it.
Door viewer
If you do not have glass in your front
door, fitting a spy-hole door viewer
will help.
Alternatively, get into the habit of
always looking through a window near
the door to see who is calling.
Outside Light
An outside light over your door will help
you to see a caller clearly if it is dark.
Position the light so that it would light
up the caller’s face rather than make
a silhouette.
33
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: DOORSTEP CROOKS
If for some reason they do need access,
they will always send you a letter to
make an appointment.
The genuine meter readers from the Gas
and Electricity Board want you to check
their identity before letting them in.
Check their identity card. If in doubt
ring up and confirm that the caller
is genuine.
Keep the telephone numbers of utility
suppliers handy. Don’t keep the caller
waiting by an open door.
Door chain
If you need to open the door to make
further checks use a door chain or
similar device.
Only put on the door chain as you
answer the door. Don’t keep it on all
the time as this could delay your exit in
the event of a fire. It could also delay a
neighbour or relation with a key getting
to you if you were ill or in need of help.
Doorstep crime trends
Bogus callers come in many shapes and
sizes. They could be children, women,
and men in all types of clothing (from
overalls to suits).
Here are just a few of the trends
to be aware of:
Bogus officials
This is perhaps the most common
category, but also the easiest to prevent.
Remember that officials from water
companies never need to come into your
home to test water pressure or repair a
leak, even in an emergency.
34
If you have difficulty reading identity
cards, ring the number given on your bill
and ask to join the password scheme.
Every time a meter reader calls they
have to give the password you have
arranged. The scheme is free and could
stop a thief from tricking their way into
your home.
Bogus workers
Bogus dealers
Bogus repairers can and do use a
very good and insistent sales patter to
get you to use them straight away.
This sort of fraudster will try and buy
a piece of furniture you thought was
worth nothing for far less than its
true value.
If you haven’t had your drains cleaned
or your roof fixed for many years then
another day or two whilst you get
another estimate won’t make
any difference.
The solution is easy. If you decide to sell
something, you will almost certainly get
more money for it by first speaking to
other dealers and compairing quotes.
If you need to get the building work
done it makes sense to get several
written quotes from trustworthy or
recommended firms and then decide
who is right for you.
The ‘Water Board’ is the most commonly
used method of entry, United Utilities
have published the following statement:
“Sometimes organisations do need
to access your home. For instance, in
order to comply with the regulations,
your water company needs to take
random water quality samples from
customers’ taps. Also, if you have a
water meter inside your home they will
need to enter your home in order to read
your meter. There is no need to worry
about this, you can easily set up
a password by contacting United
Utilities on 0845 746 1100. Ask to be
registered on their ExtraCare scheme,
specifically for the password option. You
will then be able to agree a password
that will only be known by you and
United Utilities.”
35
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: DOORSTEP CROOKS
What can friends, neighbours or
relatives do to help?
All of us can help to prevent bogus callers.
If you know, or are responsible for, a
person vulnerable to this type of crime,
there is a lot you can do to prevent
it. This could include arranging for
adequate security and/or implementing
the utility companies’ password
scheme. It could also include taking
measures to prevent an offender from
identifying a home as belonging to
an older person, e.g. maintaining the
exterior of the house.
Talk!
Frequently talking about crime
prevention messages to older people
will leave a more effective and long
lasting impression on them. Passwords and phone numbers
Make it easier for them to check caller
ID by setting up the password scheme
with all their utility companies.
Leave lists of telephone numbers
of these organisations near the door,
including police numbers.
Arrange for security
Good neighbour scheme
There are many local charities and
organisations that will fit door and
window locks, door chains, spy-holes,
etc. In many areas this service is free,
or at a very discounted rate. See what’s
available in your area.
The key element of the scheme is a card
which can be held up by the occupant
at the window when someone calls
unexpectedly. It has a short explanation
of the scheme and gives the contact
address or telephone number for a
nominated neighbour who has agreed
to deal with all visitors.
Memo minder
Experience shows that older people often
forget to use door chains and spy-holes
even when they are fitted. Each local
police station has available, at a reduced
cost, an electronic device to remind
anyone answering the door.
The idea is that the older resident gets
used to the concept of not answering
the door to strangers without a trusted
neighbour being present.
The ‘Memo Minder’ unit is a simple to
use, simple to install reminder. Fitted
internally, the unit contains a pre-recorded
message of choice which is activated by
a PIR sensor when approached by the
occupier. Messages may be up to 20
seconds long. Message prompts could be
“remember to put the chain on before you
open the door”, for instance.
This is a designated zone where
people cannot cold call (call without
an appointment) for any reason.
The recorded voice may be a family
member, neighbour or friend the older
person relies upon for advice, and trusts,
it’s a good idea to ask them to record
the message.
No cold calling zones
Utility companies will be advised and
hopefully unprofessional workmen will
be deterred from the area.
It sends out a clear message to
criminals that their actions will not be
tolerated and their every move is being
monitored and recorded. This scheme
has enabled the police and local
authority to work with the residents and
educate them about the need to ask for
identification – only letting people into
their property if they have checked the
caller’s credentials.
If you want to start a No Cold Calling
Zone in your area, contact your local
police station or Trading Standards in
your Local Authority area.
Your safe and secure checklist
Doorstep crime is preventable
The most frequent victim is a female,
elderly person, or person living alone
Victims should install and use a:
– Door viewer
Friends, neighbours and relatives can:
Talk to the potential victims
Set up password schemes
Leave phone numbers by the door
– Outside light
Arrange for security devices to
be fitted:
– Door chain
– Door viewer
Trends are bogus officials, bogus
workmen and bogus dealers
– Outside light
Friends, neighbours and relatives all
have a role to play
– Door chain
– Memo Minder
Arrange a ‘Nominated Neighbour’
Start a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’
36
37
SECTION 1
HOME SECURITY: FURTHER PROTECTION
Alarms
It would be unusual for an average
home not to need a burglar alarm.
The sight of an alarm box outside the
average home is still a deterrent. Many
burglars however, don’t notice an alarm
box until the alarm starts ringing.
The sound of an alarm will cause most
burglars to grab what they can quickly
before making their escape without
exploring the rest of the house.
A reliable alarm system will also reduce
the fear of crime. When part of the alarm
is switched on overnight you know you
can sleep safe and secure.
Choosing the correct alarm system can
be quite difficult due to the variety of
features available.
Which type of system?
In a nutshell, there are two types
of alarm system: Type A – Remote
Signalling and Type B – Audible Only.
Both types of alarm system should
have an automatic cut-off so that the
noise does not continue for more than
20 minutes.
Type A (remote signalling) alarms
A monitored alarm system, also
known as a ‘remote signalling’ system
or ‘Police Call’, is similar to Type B
(Audible Only) system, but is monitored
by a private central station 24hrs a day.
38
On activation the alarm system
automatically informs an approved
monitoring station somewhere in the
country who will notify the police on a
dedicated line. You can give a password
or code number to stop a false alarm.
Discuss with the alarm company the
various ways in which the alarm system
can be protected from attack by a
burglar (e.g. if the phone wires are cut,
will the alarm still activate?).
Always enquire about any additional
annual charge for the monitoring.
Type B (audible only) alarms
If a thief sets off the alarm or you press
a personal attack button, it will ring
instantly outside. This system then
relies on someone hearing the noise
and calling the police as it does not
automatically signal to a monitoring
station or the police.
The police receive many thousands
of such reports every year, only a few
are genuine.
The police have therefore adopted a
national policy in relation to reports
of Type B alarm activations. To obtain
police attendance Type B alarms require
some additional indication that an
offence is in progress. This could be
the sound of breaking glass, seeing a
suspicious person, an unusual light, etc.
The police do not rely just on the alarm
system itself.
39
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: FURTHER PROTECTION
To this aim, the police therefore ask
people to first check premises before
telephoning them, without putting
anyone in danger. Neighbours could
look through a window, attend with
a friend, look for suspicious signs or
noises. Knowing whether the occupant
is away on holiday, at work or if there is
a key-holder all help.
Currently these Inspectorates are:
Tel. 0191 296 3242
5. T ype A (Remote Signalling) Alarms
only. Can the company representative
provide me with a list of police rules
for occupiers of premises with alarms
and written confirmation that the
alarm and the company are currently
acceptable to the local police for the
transmission of alarm messages from
new installations?
If there is an additional suspicion, then
all calls to the police reporting the alarm
should be a 999 emergency if you think
an offence is in progress.
www.ssaib.org
6. Does the quotation:
You are advised to leave key-holder
details with your local police. The keyholder may be any person you trust.
Type B (audible only) alarms
The cost of this type of alarm system
should be for the installation only,
although some customers prefer to take
out a service and maintenance contract.
NSI (National Security Inspectorate)
Tel. 0870 20 50000
www.nsi.org.uk
SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarm
Inspection Board)
These organisations publish lists of
authorised alarm fitting companies.
The police do not recommend individual
alarm companies (or even ‘recognised’
companies). Of course, most of the
companies that install Type A alarms
also install Type B alarms.
DIY ‘Bells Only’ systems are currently
available, but make sure that the
system you are considering conforms
to BS6707. If you are considering fitting
an alarm yourself, you should be fully
competent in working with electricity.
You should also ensure someone else is
totally familiar with the system for the
occasions when you are not opening or
closing the premises yourself.
What should I ask?
Most people prefer to choose an alarm
company recognised by their insurance
company. Ask for advice.
2. Is the company subject to an
independent inspection process and if
so by which organisation?
Which alarm company?
Type A (remote signalling) alarms
Police will only attend remote
signalling alarms installed by alarm
companies whose business is subject to
inspection by a recognised Independent
Inspectorate organisation.
40
When choosing the alarm company you
want to use, you may want to ask the
following questions:
1. B
efore disclosing personal security
details, have I checked the address
and credentials of the company and
seen proof of identity from their
representative?
3. Is the installation of an alarm a
requirement of my insurance company
and if so, is the company acceptable
to my insurer?
4. Have I sought written quotations from
at least three alarm installers?
i) specify that the installation will be
to BS 4737 or BS 7042 (high security
systems) standard or if a wire free alarm
to BS 6799 clause 6, as amended by
NACOSS Code of Practice NACP 12?
ii) include the terms of maintenance
and monitoring contracts?
7. Do they operate a 24 hour call-out
service and emergency attendance
within 4 hours?
Personal attack buttons
Personal attack buttons should not be
used as an easy way to summon the
police unless you are unable to get to
the phone without putting yourself in
danger. A ‘999’ call is always preferable,
both to you and the police. The only
purpose of a personal attack button in a
Type B alarm system would be to make
a noise, thus attracting attention and
hopefully scaring the attacker away.
Generally...
Consider an installation contract
carefully before you sign, checking all
details. Check such things as whether
you own or rent the system, the
maintenance contract, the cost and
whether it could be easily operated.
An alarm system should cause no mess
to the decor since the wiring will be
concealed. False calls will result in the
alarm response being withdrawn by the
police which may affect your insurance
cover. Try to avoid false calls. False
calls can cause a loss of credibility with
neighbours who may stop taking any
notice of your alarm.
Your safe and secure checklist
There are two types of alarm:
– Type A (Remote Signalling)
– Type B (Audible Only)
Understand when to use a personal
attack button and what happens if
you do use it
Type A alarms can only be fitted
by companies subject to a
recognised inspectorate
Carefully consider where the alarm
triggering devices (e.g. PIR detectors)
should be sited – ideally at the very
first point of entry
Read what to ask the company
Check the contract before signing
Police have limited their attendance
to systems which generate false calls
41
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: FURTHER PROTECTION
Make your property identifiable
Photographs
If your television were to be stolen
would you know its make, model and
serial number? If you have kept and can
find the receipt you will probably be
able to find out the make and model.
Unless you’ve made a special effort
to write the serial number down your
television would be no different from
the millions of others stolen all over
the country.
For small items which can’t easily be
postcoded with an ultraviolet pen, a
picture is worth a thousand words!
Photographing all items against a ruler
is better than any detailed description,
making it easier to make comparisons
with found items.
On flatter items like watches, a
photocopying machine takes a pretty
good picture.
If the serial number of a stolen item was
known it could then be circulated as
stolen in a similar way to a registration
number of a stolen car.
Not only are your chances of getting
unidentifiable and unmarked
possessions returned remote, but
without being able to prove an item
was stolen it can be very difficult to
substantiate a charge against a suspect.
Arresting offenders isn’t difficult
– getting evidence is!
Ultraviolet marking
Ultraviolet marker pens are available in
all good stationers, security shops, etc.,
and cost as little as £1.00.
These felt-tip type pens are designed for
writing on your ornaments and audio/
visual equipment and electrical goods in
an ink that is invisible to the eye under
normal light.
All Police Stations in the country have
portable lights that clearly illuminate
the writing on such possessions.
By printing your postcode followed
by the house number or first three
letters of your official house name,
it is possible to trace an owner from
anywhere in the country.
42
www.immobilise.com
A few tips. Always mark your items
underneath as the postcode can be
slightly visible on non-porous surfaces.
Try to renew every twelve months. Don’t
worry about an impending move. Simply
postcode your items again. Then the
police only have to make two or three
phone calls to trace an owner instead of
two or three thousand.
Liquid forensic coded solutions
Becoming very popular in recent
years is a system of painting a special
forensically coded solution over items
from large TVs to small computer chips.
This solution is visible only under
ultraviolet light.
Each batch of the painting solution is
made specifically for just one customer.
In the event of the property being
stolen and recovered by the police, a
tiny paint sample is them removed for
examination. From this sample it is
possible to trace the true owner.
Police Forces across the country have
access to this information to assist them
checking the ownership of items they
recover, as do other agencies such as
lost property offices.
In the event of loss or theft you can
flag an item as lost or stolen on your
account. It will then appear on the UK
Police Stolen Database.
Visit the website; www.immobilise.com
for further information. You can
also access this service through
www.menduk.org
If you have access to the internet, the
police encourage you to enter details of
your possessions on a secure database
known as the ‘Mobile Equipment
National Database’ (or MEND for short).
This is a free service to register
any item that has a make, model and
serial number.
Your safe and secure checklist
Making items traceable will not
only assist the return of recovered
items and help substantiate a charge
against an offender, but it can deter
the actual theft
Postcode property with a UV pen.
These markings are invisible under
normal light
Photograph all items, preferably next
to a ruler
Register all items on
www.immobilise.com
Advertise your security marking by
placing stickers in windows
Specialist forensic coded solutions
can be used
43
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: FURTHER PROTECTION
RENTED ACCOMMODATION
Living in rented or temporary
accommodation
Many people live in rented or temporary
accomodation (university students
for example).
If the flat has a communal area, be
careful who you let in or who follows
you into the building.
Statistics show university students
are prone to certain types of criminal
activity. Nationally, a third of students
are victims of crime.
Lock your personal door, even if you are
only going down the corridor. If your
accommodation is on the ground or first
floor, avoid leaving items of value on view
(like laptops in the window or your mobile
phone on view).
You will probably not want to invest
money into the security of the property
you live in if you are only going to
be there for a short period of time.
However, remember, security devices
may still be cost-effective. How much
would a burglary cost you, even if you
were insured? Good, effective security
will almost certainly cost a lot less.
–A
re the external doors solid, with
no weak panels? Look for signs
of damage
It is therefore critical that you choose
the right home with security in mind,
before you sign a contract.
– Make sure external wooden doors
have 5-lever mortise locks (it should
say it on the lock)
Choosing accommodation – tips
– Is the house alarmed?
– Visit potential homes in daylight, and
don’t go alone
– Tell someone where you are going
– How far is the home from
public transport?
– Does the landlord have a code of
standards for security and safety?
– Is there a reporting procedure and
rapid response for repairs if there is
a burglary?
– Avoid high bushes or fences at the
front which would obscure your exit
and entry
– Is the rear yard or garden secure?
– Is the rear gate locked?
– Is there an outside rear light?
44
Be aware that your windows may also
be open access to a thief. Keep them
closed and locked, especially on the
ground and first floor.
Most DIY stores sell Shed Alarms. These
are burglar alarms that can run off either
batteries or mains electricity. They are
very cheap to buy and are ideal for
rented apartments as you can take them
with you when you move out. Timer
lights are a good deterent and can also
be taken with you when you move.
– Does the front door have a door viewer
and chain?
Avoid leaving boxes by the bin which
identify recently bought items. Check the
property is insured when left unoccupied.
Many universities have secure storage
areas for the holiday periods.
– Are all the windows capable of
being locked?
– Make sure you can’t reach the lock
through the letterbox
Is the property easily recognisable as a
student’s property? Make it look like a
family home (e.g. remove rubbish,
‘To Let’ signs, etc.).
– If there are cellars with a separate
entrance or access, are they secured?
– If the bedroom doors have a lock
fitted, is it capable of being unlocked
from the inside without a key (e.g. a
5- lever mortise lock with a thumbturn on the inside)?
– Are smoke and C02 alarms fitted?
Read: Pages 7 to 31 for
further information.
NAME SIGN &
INTERNAL LOCK
Read: Pages 7 to 31 for
further information.
Don’t leave notices for services and
delivery agents saying you are not in
or even away (e.g. milk, post, refuse
collectors, etc.).
Advice for Students: If holding a party
at your home, carefully control access.
Thieves and trouble-makers will target
such parties.
Remember to register items with
www.immobilise.com (see ‘Make Your
Property Identifiable’ page 42).
45
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: FURTHER PROTECTION
Home and car keys
Take the time to look around your house
and ask yourself “Where is the last
place I would think of putting my keys?”
That’s probably one of the best places
to keep them. Remember the criminal
probably keeps their keys in similar
places to most of us. Consider the use
of a disguise for car keys, for example in
something which looks like a food can.
What would you have to do if your keys
were stolen?
How soon could you have your locks
at home changed? Would you have to
change the locks on your vehicle? Are
you insured for this replacement cost?
Did you know, if the burglar entered
your home using your lost or stolen
keys, you may find you are not insured
against this type of burglary?
Or if a vehicle was stolen using your
keys, some people have found out
that they are also not covered for the
vehicle itself.
If you have a garage, use it for your
car, not for old tins of paint, etc. If you
have more than one car and only garage
space for one, consider which car to
garage. The older car, although of less
value, might be easier to steal. Consider
the cost of the car versus the cost of
keeping it secure.
Remember – your keys are valuable to
a thief.
The best place for a door key is on
your person or at the side of your bed.
However, this advice depends entirely
on your family circumstances (number
and age of residents, etc.).
The most important rule is that your
safety in a fire is more important than
property protection.
They do this by a variety of methods:
Do not leave keys in the lock. Everyone
should know where they are and be able
to find them in the dark.
2. Reaching through a cat flap
In an increasing number of burglaries,
the offenders entered the house just to
steal the car keys and then the car.
Many cars, particularly modern cars, are
now very difficult to steal without the
keys. This means that criminals are now
targeting the car keys in order to go on
and steal the vehicle.
46
Offences where the burglar breaks into
the home overnight to try and find the
keys can be easily prevented with good
basic security. The thief isn’t likely to
spend long looking for car keys with an
alarm system ringing.
As mentioned, some cars have been
stolen after householders have opened
their doors to strangers, forcing entry
to the house to steal the car keys and
then the car. Again, basic home security
advice applies. If you have a door chain,
use it. If not, fit one. Don’t open the
door to strangers, especially if you are
on your own in the house.
If you are unfortunate enough to
become the victim of this type of crime,
do not offer any resistance. Try to
remember as much detail as possible
about the offender(s) and their
vehicle. This information is valuable to
the police.
Safety overnight
Burglaries for car keys
Remember, thieves are often more
interested in high-performance cars.
1. Fishing through a letterbox to get keys
off a table or stairs
3. Forcing or smashing a window or door
to grab keys on view
4. On rare occasions, especially where
the vehicle is particularly valuable,
even threatening the resident for
the keys
It’s simple, don’t leave car keys lying on
the kitchen or hall table when you get
home, or even worse on the window sill
or on view just inside the door. Put them
safe and out of sight.
Consider a tracking device for the
vehicle. (See ‘Protect Your Vehicle’
page 57 for further information).
Your safe and
secure checklist
Make sure car keys are not in
view overnight
If you have a garage, always
make sure the car is parked in it
Install a good home security
alarm system and use it overnight
See the Vehicle Security section
for more advice
47
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: FURTHER PROTECTION
Does the law protect me?
What is ‘reasonable force’?
Home watch and neighbourhood watch
An enthusiastic watch scheme will deter
burglaries and crime.
Protecting your home with locks is fine,
but you will enjoy greater security and
peace of mind if everyone around you
is working with you. Residents of a
community possess a very specialised
knowledge of their neighbourhood that
even the ‘Village Bobby’ would take
years to achieve. A police officer might
not recognise someone in your garden
as a stranger but a neighbour would.
By letting the police know of anything
suspicious you see or hear you are
helping to reduce the opportunities
for crime to occur. Even going to
the trouble of letting strangers who
are wandering about your area
know you’re keeping an eye on them,
helps tremendously.
This is what watch schemes are
all about.
Some residents think they should not
ring the police when they see something
suspicious going on at a neighbour’s
house as they don’t want anyone to
think they’re being nosey and interfering
in other people’s business.
48
In a watch scheme area the residents
all agree. They want each other to
be vigilant and nosey as far as crime
is concerned. If you have the phone
number of the man next door and you
ring him up at work to check if a removal
firm should be clearing his house,
wouldn’t he be grateful?
If you want to start a Home Watch/
Neighbourhood Watch scheme or find
out if one exists in your area, ring your
local Police Station, who will put you
through to the correct person.
Anyone can use reasonable force to
protect themselves or others, or to
carry out an arrest or to prevent crime.
You are not expected to make fine
judgements over the level of force you
use in the heat of the moment. So long
as you only do what you honestly and
instinctively believe is necessary in
the heat of the moment, this would be
the strongest evidence of you acting
lawfully and in self-defence. This is still
the case if you use something to hand
as a weapon.
Householders and the use of force
against intruders
Joint Public Statement from the
Crown Prosecution Service and the
Association of Chief Police Officers
It is a rare and frightening prospect
to be confronted by an intruder in your
own home.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
and Chief Constables are responding
to public concern over the support
offered by the law and confusion about
householders defending themselves.
We want a criminal justice system
that reaches fair decisions, has the
confidence of law-abiding citizens and
encourages them actively to support
the police and prosecutors in the fight
against crime.
Wherever possible you should call the
police. The following summarises the
position when you are faced with an
intruder in your home, and provides a
brief overview of how the police and
CPS will deal with any such events.
As a general rule, the more extreme
the circumstances and the fear felt, the
more force you can lawfully use in
self-defence.
Do I have to wait to be attacked?
No, not if you are in your own home and
in fear for yourself or others. In these
circumstances the law does not require
you to wait to be attacked before using
defensive force yourself.
What if the intruder dies?
If you have acted in reasonable
self-defence as described above, and
the intruder dies, you will still have
acted lawfully. Indeed, there are several
such cases where the householder has
not been prosecuted. However, if, for
example: having knocked someone
unconscious, you then decided to
further hurt or kill them to punish
them; or you knew of an intended
intruder and set a trap to hurt or to kill
them rather than involve the police,
you would be acting with very excessive
and gratuitous force and could
be prosecuted.
49
SECTION 1 HOME SECURITY: FURTHER PROTECTION
What if I chase them as they run off?
This situation is different as you are
no longer acting in self-defence so
the same degree of force may not be
reasonable. However, you are still
allowed to use reasonable force to
recover your property and make a
citizen’s arrest. You should consider
your own safety and, for example,
whether the police have been called.
A rugby tackle or a single blow would
probably be reasonable. Acting out of
malice and revenge with the intent of
inflicting punishment through injury or
death would not.
Will you believe the intruder rather
than me?
The police weigh all the facts when
investigating an incident. This includes
the fact that the intruder caused the
situation to arise in the first place. We
hope that everyone understands that
the police have a duty to investigate
incidents involving a death or injury.
Things are not always as they seem. On
occasions people pretend a burglary has
taken place to cover up other crimes.
How would the police and CPS handle
the investigation and treat me?
In considering these cases Chief
Constables and the Director of Public
Prosecutions (Head of the CPS)
are determined that they must be
investigated and reviewed as swiftly
and as sympathetically as possible.
In some cases, for instance where
the facts are very clear, or where
less serious injuries are involved the
investigation will be concluded very
quickly without any need for arrest.
50
In more complicated cases, such
as where a death or serious injury
occurs, more detailed enquiries will
be necessary. The police may need to
conduct a forensic examination and/or
obtain your account of events.
Your safe and secure checklist
Make the house look occupied
Good fences and gates
To ensure such cases are dealt with as
swiftly and sympathetically as possible
the police and CPS will take special
measures, namely:
Burglars are cowards and don’t
want to be disturbed. They pick easy
targets where they think everyone is
out, or asleep upstairs
Most burglars break into a house from
the back. Good rear garden fences or
hedges, coupled with a side gate will
help protect your home
An experienced investigator will
oversee the case. If it goes as far as CPS
considering the evidence, the case will
be prioritised to ensure a senior lawyer
makes a quick decision.
You can convince them that someone
is at home by having plug-in timer
controls for lamps. Set the lighting
timers to come on when it goes dark,
especially if you tend to be late home
in winter
Light up burglars with outside lights
It is a fact that very few householders
have ever been prosecuted for
actions resulting from the use of force
against intruders.
Don’t just have the hall light on
when you’re not in; have the lights
switching themselves on in the
bedroom, bathroom (not many people
get out of the bath to answer the
door), kitchen and lounge
Every home should have an alarm
Prevention is better
than cure
Crime prevention, in a way, is a
type of insurance. You hope you’ll
never need it, but you want to be
prepared in case it does happen.
If an alarm is activated, the sound
will cause most burglars to grab what
they can quickly before making their
escape, without exploring the rest of
the house
Make sure you always set it when
leaving the house and before going
to bed
Outside lighting not only reduces
the actuality of crime, it may help to
reduce the fear of crime when you are
welcomed with a bright light
Physical Security
Most insurance companies now
insist on a specified level of physical
security. Check your policy and if in
doubt, write to your broker before it
is too late
Choose security that
you can live with and
will use everyday
Read: Pages 7 to 31 for
further information.
If you had a burglary yesterday,
what security improvements would
you be doing today? Do it now and
prevent a crime.
A house doesn’t have to be a
prison, but it should be your castle.
51
SECTION 2
GOING ON HOLIDAY
INTRODUCTION
Becoming a victim of crime during a
holiday can obviously spoil it.
Suffering a crime whilst away, whether
it’s to you or your possessions, or
your home and vehicle you’ve left
behind, all have the potential to ruin
a relaxing break.
People also enjoy their holiday far more
if they are not worrying about crime.
The time to prepare for this peace
of mind is now – not just before you
go away, when there isn’t time to do
anything about it.
Home and car security
Read the relevant sections of this book.
The advice will make you more secure.
In addition, you should also consider
the following tips:
1.Remember that the best burglary
deterrent is to make the home
look occupied.
2.Unless a room is obviously a
bedroom to people outside the
home, don’t close your curtains in
the daytime. Ask a trusted friend
or neighbour to close them for you
when it goes dark. You could always
return the favour to them.
3.Neighbours can help each other in
many ways. They can keep the home
looking occupied by maintaining the
garden to even parking their car on
your driveway.
52
4.If neighbours keep your keys, advise
them not to put your surname,
address or even your house number
on your keys in case they fall into the
wrong hands.
5.Use automatic timer-switches to turn
your lights on when it goes dark –
don’t forget bedrooms.
6.Cancel any milk or newspaper
deliveries.
7.Avoid discussing holiday plans
where strangers may hear details of
your absence from home.
8.Cut the lawn before you go and trim
back any plants that burglars could
hide behind.
9.If there is a chance that mail will pile
up on your doorstep whilst you are
away, consider the Post Office’s
‘Keepsafe’ service. For a very small
fee, they can hold back the delivery
of mail for up to two months. If
you return home early, written
cancellation gets the mail delivered.
10.Consider leaving important
documents and valuable items with
other family members or a bank.
11.If you normally leave valuable pedal
cycles or similar items in your shed,
consider putting them in the house.
12.Make sure that you’ve locked all
outside doors and windows and, if
you have a burglar alarm, make sure
it is set.
53
SECTION 2 GOING HOLIDAY
At the destination
If you want to exchange currency, try
and have the exact amount of money
ready. Don’t produce a wallet bulging
with cash.
Don’t keep your passport, sterling or
foreign currency together and most
importantly make sure you keep your
travellers cheques in a separate, safe,
secure place.
The journey
Don’t put your home address on your
luggage, when you are travelling to your
holiday destination.
Although regulations vary, most airlines
will restrict you to only one item of hand
luggage. Keep valuables like cameras,
jewellery, cash and passports in this bag
so they are with you all the time. Check
current regulations before you leave.
Is it really necessary to take all that
jewellery? It would be much safer in a
secure place at home.
Don’t rely on the locks that are built in
to the suitcase, as most are simply just
not up to the job. An extra padlock will
deter most thieves.
Putting a belt around the case will help
prevent the suitcase bursting open.
Another good idea is tying an additional
piece of material around your suitcase,
this will help you easily recognise it at
the luggage collection point.
54
Never leave your luggage unattended
at the airport as the chances are it will
be removed by the security staff,
or worse still, a thief.
When you’ve arrived at your destination,
collect your luggage as soon as
possible. Check to see if it has been
tampered with. If you think it may have
been, report it at once!
Many hotels have a safety deposit box
for you to store your passport, large
amounts of cash and credit cards.
Always detach the key fob from the
deposit box key, and place the fob in the
deposit box, after memorising the box
number. If you happen to lose the key,
you won’t also lose all your money!
You can improve door security by taking
a temporary door lock. Looking a little
bit like a slide ruler, these locks can be
put in your closed bedroom door to stop
anyone getting in whilst you’re asleep.
The type of personal attack alarm which
has a pull string to activate the unit,
can often be positioned to go round the
door handle. Anyone opening the door
whilst you are in would activate
the alarm.
Don’t worry about crime whilst on
holiday. Realistic precautions can
help you relax, knowing you are safe
and secure.
Handbag and jewellery snatches are not
uncommon in many tourist resorts, so
don’t put anything valuable in your bag,
and only wear what jewellery is needed.
On a similar note, pick-pocketing is wide
spread in many holiday cities, so again
only carry what is necessary.
There is also every conceivable ‘con’
going on in most busy holiday locations,
from the photographer who promises to
forward the picture, to the time-share
sales person. It would be easy to say
“No” if they were all fraudulent, but
when you’ve switched off and are having
a good time, it becomes difficult to tell
who the criminals really are.
If you find burglary is a problem in your
hotel, then consider hiding valuables
in your room. A ‘can-safe’ looks like a
normal tin of food, hair-spray or drink,
but the bottom unscrews to let you
store items away out of sight.
55
SECTION 3
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
What is car crime?
When we talk about car crime
we refer to a number of different
offences. Theft of a car and theft from
a car are the most common vehicle
related offences.
Car crime is often thought to be
committed by sophisticated high-tech
criminals. In reality most of the crimes
are opportunistic. The thieves simply
wander around looking for any item left
on show and then steal it by smashing
a window. Similarly, older cars with no
additional security devices are stolen
using basic techniques, whilst more
modern cars tend to be stolen by first
stealing the keys.
This means that car crime is easy to
prevent. Simply getting into the habit of
not leaving any item in the car stops the
theft from a vehicle. Looking after car
keys drastically reduces the chances of
having the vehicle stolen.
Always make sure your car is securely
locked, even if it is on your drive or in
a garage.
If extra security devices are fitted then it
is important that they can and should be
easy to use at every opportunity. If the
device is complicated to use or takes
a long time, drivers tend not to use it
every time they park the car.
For most of us our car is the second
largest purchase we make. Careful
thought should be given to making
it secure.
56
57
SECTION 3 PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
It would be a mistake to ignore car
crime prevention because insurance is
in place and a replacement car will be
provided or the damage repaired.
The inconvenience you suffer as a result
of any car crime is often enough reason
to want to prevent further crimes.
Contact your insurance company for
advice. Many will offer discount on
certain approved security products,
normally with a specific ‘Thatcham
Category’ marking.
General security tips
It is not unusual for insurance
companies to refuse to cover certain
makes and models unless a particular
security device is installed.
More than half of all car crimes occur in
the vicinity of the home.
Looking after your car keys
– If you have a garage, keep your car in
it and remember to lock both the car
and garage.
– When away from home, or if you don’t
have a garage, always try to park in a
well-lit, open location.
– If you have to park on the street, get
into the habit of retracting the car
aerial and folding in wing mirrors to
reduce the chances of damage.
– A quarter of all recorded crime
happens in car parks, so look for one
that is well supervised with restricted
entry and exit points, good lighting
and security cameras. Avoid
dark corners.
– Look for police approved car parks
(look out for ‘ParkMark’ on signs).
You can find out which car parks are
approved at www.saferparking.com
– Always keep your vehicle locked.
This includes closing the sunroof and
windows, even if you only leave it for
a few seconds.
Tips for choosing security devices
Choose a security device that is easy to
use. If you don’t use the device because
it takes too long whenever you park the
car, it doesn’t matter how good it is!
58
Many cars, particularly modern cars, are
now very difficult to steal without the
keys. This means that criminals are now
obtaining cars by first stealing the keys.
When out and about don’t leave keys
in a coat pocket and leave the coat
unattended. All too frequently health
clubs, changing rooms and offices are
targeted for the purpose of stealing
car keys.
Be aware of dropping keys into
bags or briefcases where they might
remain visible.
Thieves look for opportunities when
people are distracted, for example,
when returning from a cash machine or
after paying for petrol. They may even
approach on a private driveway. Once
people see their own front door they
often drop their guard as they are in
familiar territory. The carjacker will take
advantage of this.
Take the ignition key out even when the
car is parked on your drive or in your
garage, and always set the immobiliser
if it doesn’t come on automatically.
Follow this routine even when filling up
with petrol or just calling into shops.
(See ‘Car Jackings’ in the Personal
Safety section page 73, and ‘Home &
Car Keys’ in the Home Security section
Page 46.)
Tracking devices
One of the best devices you can have
fitted is a tracking device – most of
which work off satellites.
The price for a basic system tends to
be a lot lower than people expect and
cheaper than many vehicle insurance
excess fees.
Each tracking company offers a wide
variety of extras to suit your individual
needs and lifestyle. For example, you
can tell the private control room to
notify the police if the car is moved
between certain hours, or if the
driver doesn’t have a special fob in
their pocket, some systems will even
immobilise the vehicle.
Theft from a vehicle
The cost of replacing a broken window
is often far more than the value of goods
stolen. If you can, take your belongings
with you rather than leaving them in the
car. If you can’t, lock everything out of
sight in the boot.
In particular, and in no specific order,
never leave the following anywhere in
your car:
–R
emovable radio fronts (don’t leave
them in the glove box)
– Portable satellite navigation systems
and their mounting cradle
– Mobile phones
– Golf clubs
– IPODs
– Handbags (under seats)
– Laptop computers and briefcases
– Cheque, credit and debit cards
– Items of clothing
– Driving documents and personal
correspondence
Make your car identifiable
Arrange to have the vehicle registration
number etched on to all glass surfaces,
including the side windows and
headlamps. If you have a cherished
or private number plate you intend to
retain, have the vehicle identification
number (VIN) etched instead.
This simple measure can deter a thief
stealing the vehicle to break up for
parts or sell on under a false vehicle
registration number.
59
SECTION 3 PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
Always try and remove these items if
you can. That old coat on the back seat
may be worthless but thieves won’t
know that. They may break in to see if
you’ve left any money or cards in one of
the pockets.
means the prevention is worthwhile.
There may be schemes in your area to
secure number plates with anti-tamper
screws, or alternatively your local car
spares shop may sell plates which break
into small pieces when stolen.
Whether removable or not, all
equipment should be permanently
marked with the vehicle registration
number or your postcode. Make a note
of the serial number and keep it in a
safe place – especially portable satellite
navigation systems.
Buying and selling a car
Consider leaving your glove box
open to show that it is empty.
If you are buying a brand new or
second-hand car, insist on a model with
built-in security features.
Security features to consider include:
An immobiliser – Most manufacturers
now fit these as standard to new models
Doors fitted with deadlocks (sometimes
called double locking) – This stops
a thief breaking a window and then
opening a door
A central locking system – To enable
you to lock all the doors whilst driving
It is also important not to leave items
on display whilst driving. Thieves are
known to steal items by opening car
doors, or even breaking windows, while
cars are stationary at traffic lights or
held up in slow moving traffic.
Number plates
An increasing trend is the theft of
vehicle number plates. Stolen plates
are often used in crime and to avoid
speeding fines. The associated letter
writing, often for months after the event
60
Visible VIN (Vehicle Identification
Number) – The VIN is the unique 17-digit
number that identifies your car from
every other one on the road. Some
manufacturers now bond the VIN plate
to the dashboard of the car so that
it is visible through the windscreen.
Thieves will have to remove the whole
windscreen and damage the dashboard
before they can sell it on. This cuts into
their profit and can act as a deterrent.
Visible VINs also help the police check
a vehicle’s identity.
Etching VIN or registration number
– The vehicle registration number and/
or VIN etched on all glass surfaces is a
further useful deterrent to theft.
Removable panel car radio – Some
manufacturers are now fitting radio
components throughout the vehicle
rather than in the one box, so that they
cannot be easily removed and will not fit
into other makes of vehicle.
Security coded car radio equipment
– If the radio is disconnected a code is
needed before it can be used again.
Lockable wheel nuts – Especially if you
have expensive alloy wheels.
Car alarm – Should come as standard on
all new cars.
Security glazing – Specially
strengthened glass fitted to the side
windows of your car makes it much
more difficult for a thief to break.
However, a British Standard for car
security glazing has only recently been
agreed so it may be some time before
this feature is standard in most cars.
Tracking devices – Is the vehicle fitted
with a tracking device, or can the garage
supply and fit one?
Automatic locking – Most cars now
have an option to lock the doors
automatically if you leave the vehicle
for a certain length of time, or if you go
above a certain speed. You need to get
the main agent to enable this feature
as it is part of the engine management
control system.
Buying a car privately
If you buy a vehicle that is subsequently
found to be stolen, apart from problems
you may have explaining your actions
to the police, you will have no right in
law to the ownership of that vehicle. You
could easily lose both the car and the
money you paid for it.
Decide what make and model you are
interested in and then find out where
the vehicle’s identification numbers
should be prior to seeing the car.
Can you identify the vendor? Be
cautious of mobile telephone numbers
(which may not be traceable) and of
‘between 5pm and 6pm’ type adverts. Is
this a phone box? Try calling outside the
specific hours.
Does the vendor hold the vehicle
registration document and MOT
certificate? If not, why?
Always arrange to view the car in
daylight at the vendor’s home. Satisfy
yourself it actually is their home.
Never allow them to bring the vehicle to
your home or meet you at some other
location.
Does the car have a working security
alarm system?
Do the locks differ? (Thieves often
change locks they have damaged)
Do any of the door locks or surrounding
areas appear to have been damaged?
(Signs of forced entry?)
Check the locking petrol cap. Has it
been forced and replaced?
Remember –
• Be sure before you buy
• N ever feel pressured
into buying
•Never pay cash
•If in doubt – walk away
Consider taking an independent
qualified examiner with you to inspect
the car.
61
SECTION 4
PROTECT YOUR CARAVAN
INTRODUCTION
The theft of a caravan can be very
disruptive and emotive.
If it were to be stolen whilst in use, then
not only would the holiday be ruined,
but many irreplaceable items would be
stolen, from jewellery to clothes, audio/
visual equipment to personal artifacts.
Even worse these items are not always
covered by insurance.
A caravan can be protected for very
little cost. By writing the caravan VIN
number in hidden places, such as on the
underside of drawers, in cupboards and
on other areas of bare wood, owners can
help the police to identify their caravan
if it is ever stolen. Make sure you use a
permanent marker pen to do this (see
‘Make Your Property Identifiable’ on
page 42).
Owners should also consider other
security measures.
These include locking the caravan
coupling head into a cover using a good
quality hitchlock and fitting locking
wheel nuts.
Remember that inexpensive physical
security devices may be better
than nothing, but investing in reputable,
proven products can save a lot of
potential anguish.
Your caravan
security checklist
Immobilise your caravan using an
approved lock
Write your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) in several hidden
places within the caravan to make
it easy to identify if it gets stolen
Always lock the door, close
windows and don’t forget the
rooflight
Never leave anything valuable
on display
Take out or hide anything with
your home address on it whilst
you are away
Even simple measures help. Don’t
forget to close all windows and doors,
including the rooflight every time you
leave your caravan and remember never
leave anything valuable on display,
including anything with your home
address on it.
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SECTION 4 PROTECT YOUR CARAVAN
Caravan Crime Top Ten Tips
1. Locks
4. Valuables
9. Neighbours
Immobilise your caravan, even if you’re
stopping only for a short time. Use good
quality padlocks, heavy-duty chains and
hitchlocks to secure your caravan. Fix
lock nuts or wheel clamps to the wheels
and padlock gas cylinders to fixing
clamps.
Take all your valuables with you when
you leave the caravan. If you can’t, lock
them away. Never leave anything on
display – even an old coat can tempt a
thief to have a closer look.
Get to know your neighbours on the site
when you’re on holiday and think about
joining a vehicle watch scheme at home.
5. Registration papers
2. Alarms
Never leave the vehicle registration
documents in the caravan. They can
help a thief to sell the caravan.
You could fit a tracking device so
that your caravan can be tracked by
the police or a system operator if it
is stolen.
Fit an alarm and switch it on every time
you leave your caravan – even if it’s just
for a short time.
3. Keys
Lock windows, doors, rooflights and the
gas compartment when you leave the
caravan for any length of time. Always
keep the keys with you.
6. Identification marks
If your caravan does not already have
a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
etched onto the windows, you should
use an ultraviolet pen to mark it inside
with an identifiable number. Also
security mark all the valuables you
usually take on holiday with you.
10. Tracking
More help
You can get more information about
alarms, immobilisers and other security
devices by phoning the Sold Secure
Helpline on 01327 264687.
For information about CRiS,
call 01722 411 430.
7. Buying a new caravan
If you’re buying a new caravan, ask
about built-in security features. All
caravans manufactured since August
1997 should be electronically tagged for
added security.
8. Buying a used caravan
If you’re buying a second-hand caravan,
try to verify the seller’s identity and
make sure the number plate on the
caravan matches the one on the tow
car. Also ask if it’s registered with the
Caravan Registration and Identification
Scheme (CRiS). If it is, you can check its
history through this scheme. If it isn’t,
and you purchase the caravan call CRiS
on 01722 411 430 and register
the details.
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65
SECTION 5
PERSONAL SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
Personal safety isn’t just for young
children and women. It is for everyone.
Children, teenagers, men and women
can all find themselves vulnerable to a
crime of violence, because of their own
circumstances, location, age, sexuality,
personal beliefs or ethnic origin. The
chances of becoming a victim may be
very, very low, but just one crime is one
too many.
Violence on the street is still rare.
The odds of being attacked could be
compared to winning the pools or
lottery – there’s very little chance of
winning but you still fill in the coupon
and invest a little money. Imagine what
would happen if by a rare chance these
odds did come up! You don’t let fear of
crime take over your life, just be aware
and prepare.
Traditionally, personal safety advice has
tended to consist of comments such as
“don’t go with a stranger” or “don’t go
down dark pathways at night”. There is
a lot more to personal safety than that.
It is therefore wise to take sensible
precautions to ensure you are safe. This
applies to everyone. It doesn’t matter if
you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger,
you too can be a victim of crime!
Fear of crime
The actual fear of a crime can be far
worse than the crime itself. If you’re not
careful you can end up worrying about
something that will never happen. The
trick is to be aware of the problem and
take sensible precautions, but without
worrying about it too much.
TOP
SAFETY TIP
66
Easy Target
Wearing a shoulder bag with the flap
facing you and the strap over both
your arm and head rather than just
over the shoulder or arm, could reduce
the chances of theft.
67
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
The victim
Recent studies considered the sort of
person who becomes a victim of sexual
assault or robbery (theft using or
threatening violence). People who had
projected an air of self-confidence and
walked with purpose were not chosen
by the offenders questioned. Instead,
they picked on people who looked
timid, shy and vulnerable; in other
words, an easy target.
Taking simple precautions to reduce the
opportunity for attack, such as wearing
a shoulder bag with the flap facing you
and the strap over both your arm and
head rather than just over the shoulder
or arm, could reduce the chances.
If you frequent clubs and pubs, drinking
out of bottles (and only those opened in
front of you) will reduce the opportunity
of someone putting a drug in your drink.
Never leaving drinks unattended. Always
leave a club or pub with a friend and let
someone know where you are and what
time you’ll be home.
Transport
Although the chances of an attack are
still low in most areas, one incident is
still one too many. If you find yourself
trying to get home alone late at night,
take precautions.
It is always sensible to arrange a lift
home with a friend, husband, wife,
or partner. There’s nothing like that
universally free mum or dad taxi service!
If you have to telephone for a taxi,
always try to use a firm you know. Don’t
get into a private hire taxi (they look like
a normal car) unless you’ve booked the
car first.
68
For this reason some people do not
like large hoods on coats which restrict
vision. Personal music players also stop
you being aware of your surroundings.
Only hackney carriages (traditional
black cabs) are insured to carry
passengers who have flagged them
down. Always sit in the back, preferably
behind the driver.
Don’t walk and talk. Using a mobile
phone not only distracts you, it’s
temptation to a thief. Try to cover
jewellery. Wearing a lot of jewellery
when you go out may make you a target.
Book the cab by phone and ask for the
driver’s name and the make and colour
of car. When the cab arrives ask for
the driver’s name and company and
the name of the customer they have
come to collect. Don’t volunteer the
information first.
On public transport try to sit near the
driver, avoiding an empty upper deck
on buses and vacant compartments on
trains. If you are pestered by someone,
complain to the driver or guard. They
can get help by radio, telephone
or alarm depending on the type of
transport and the nature of the incident.
If you have to carry money, carry only
what you need. Keep cheque and credit
cards separate from cheque books.
Never carry your pin codes. Do not leave
bags unattended. Keep purses and
wallets in an inside pocket.
Be brave
Walking
If you have no choice but to walk alone
at night, walk in the centre of the
pavement, avoiding short cuts through
dimly-lit, deserted areas.
It is wiser to walk facing the oncoming
traffic where you can be seen and avoid
the surprise of a vehicle approaching
from behind. It’s also very difficult for
motorists to pester you if they drive
alongside, they have to do it in reverse!
If you do suspect you’re being followed,
cross the street, several times if
necessary. If you still think you are being
followed, walk to the busiest place you
can find or knock on somebody’s door.
If you are confident enough, consider
turning and facing the suspect and
shouting in your most authoritative voice
“Are you following me?!”
Victims attacked or robbed while
walking usually say “He (or she) came
from nowhere!”. Of course the attacker
didn’t suddenly materialise out of
thin air, it was simply that the victims
were not aware of what was going on
around them. Their mind was probably
elsewhere and not observing people or
dangerous situations.
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SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
Survival bag
Get yourself a holdall type bag to keep
out of sight in the boot (or in the dish
of the spare wheel) and put in the sort
of things you hope you’ll never need.
Smaller items can be kept close to
hand in the glovebox. These ‘survival’
items include:
–A
torch
– Jump leads (have you ever left your
lights on?)
– An approved fuel can (with fuel in)
– A personal attack alarm (with spare
batteries)
– Money or a phonecard for a phone box
(don’t forget a list of useful numbers)
– Pen and paper
– A “Help! Call the Police!” fluorescent
sign (now available from car spares
shops to put in the window)
–Y
our car’s handbook (this tells you
how to get the car up and running
again, change a wheel and so on)
– Sensible, warm, waterproof clothing,
a hat and gloves.
– A copy of the Highway Code. The
Highway Code offers a lot of useful
advice on what to do if you break
down, especially on the motorway. Did
you know that the marker posts on the
hard shoulder have an arrow pointing
to the nearest telephone? Do you
know who answers these telephones?
Did you know that you should never
wait in the car if you’ve broken down
on the hard shoulder?
Don’t forget the useful ploy of waiting in
the passenger seat for the breakdown
service if you are not on the motorway,
this gives the impression that someone
else may be nearby.
DRIVING
Preparation
Breakdown
First things first, make sure the car is
fit for the journey. It’s no good trying
to go along deserted country lanes in
a blizzard if you have a car that runs on
a wing and a prayer. Plan your journey
and use maps.
Perhaps the biggest worry for people
travelling alone is what to do if the car
breaks down. Again, remember the
motto ‘be prepared’. If you regularly
drive your car alone, you should
seriously consider joining a breakdown
recovery service.
If you’re going to an area you are unsure
about don’t ask strangers for directions,
carry a map.
Tell someone what time you expect
to arrive at your destination. Make
contact calls to keep them updated if
you’re delayed.
A common cause of car breakdown is
running out of fuel. Always make sure
you have enough for the journey and
spare money if you need to refuel.
Get in the habit of checking your spare
tyre to make sure it’s not flat.
70
71
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
Motorways
Motorways are very safe areas in
relation to violent attacks. There are
telephones every mile and many areas
are covered by CCTV.
In an emergency park on the hard
shoulder, put on the hazard lights and
get out by the passenger door.
Tell the telephone operator if you are
alone, and then return to your car.
Leave the passenger door unlocked
and stand on the embankment or verge
away from the car, out of danger from
motorway traffic. If you’re approached
or threatened get into the car and lock
the passenger door.
In traffic
A recent trend in inner city areas is for
thieves to open the passenger door of
your car while you are stuck in traffic
and steal something, such as a handbag
or a laptop. Use your common sense
– don’t leave items on show, and lock all
doors (including the boot).
It’s a good idea to always stop far
enough away from the car in front
so that you can see the other car’s rear
wheels. This will give you enough
room to pull out quickly if you need to
get away.
Being followed?
If you suspect you are being followed
(going round a roundabout twice, or a
similar manouver, will confirm this) do
not be tempted to go faster and outrun
your pursuer. Keep driving and stick to
well-populated main roads. As soon as
the situation allows, drive into a busy
area where you can contact the police –
a petrol station forecourt is ideal. If you
do not want to get out of the car sound
the horn to attract attention.
Drivers of high powered cars appear
to be most at risk as many cars are
later used as ‘get-away cars’ in
other offences.
Car jackings
The following tips are also good advice
to prevent you being a victim of many
other types of crime:
‘Car Jacking’ is a slang term used to
describe a crime where a car is forcibly
taken from a driver.
Many cars, particularly modern cars,
are now very difficult to steal without
the keys. This means that a very
small number of criminals are now
stealing cars by using or threatening
to use violence.
72
The opportunity for this crime can be
easily reduced. The best advice is that
drivers should remain vigilant and
aware of what is happening around
them when approaching or leaving
their vehicle, and while driving or sat
in traffic.
OPEN
ApproachingHANDBAG
or leaving your car
Most car jackings occur when you are
approaching or leaving the car. Never
leave the keys in the ignition when
leaving your car, e.g. when paying for
petrol or getting a ticket to park.
73
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
Park in well-lit areas, be aware!
If attacked
If stopping at a cash machine or
similar, try to do so in well-lit or highly
visible areas.
–A
lways wear your seat belt.
This makes it harder for a robber to
bundle you out of the car.
Before getting out of your car, check
your surroundings – wherever you
are. If you feel uneasy do not park,
drive off.
– When stopping in traffic allow
sufficient space to drive away.
It’s good advanced driving skill to
always stop in traffic far enough from
the car in front, so you can clearly see
it’s rear wheels. This allows you to pull
out if there’s a problem.
If you see a suspicious person loitering
round your car wait until they’ve gone
and if needed get assistance.
When approaching the car keep the
keys ready to use in your hand. You
don’t want to be distracted looking for
them next to the car.
If you have remote control locking,
only open the doors when you reach
your vehicle.
When returning to your parked car,
remain aware of your surroundings.
Whilst driving
Many of the hints and tips in the
previous section ‘Driving’ will also
reduce the opportunity for car jackings.
– Be familiar with the streets and the
locations you plan to visit – don’t be
driving round whilst lost.
– Never open the vehicle door
for strangers
– If you are concerned that you are
being followed or if you are being
flashed to stop (other than by an
obvious police vehicle), you should
drive to the nearest police station or
to a safe public place where there are
potential witnesses.
– Don’t stop to help stranded motorists.
Call the Police from a safe place.
Trust your instincts. There are no
absolute rules for what to do in a car
jacking. However you may want to
consider the following:
Try to continually sound your horn
and/or flash your lights if you are being
attacked. Criminals don’t like attention
and witnesses, so drive to a safer public
place (e.g. a 24-hour supermarket,
filling station or police station).
If you think you are particularly
vulnerable, consider extending your
car alarm to include a personal attack
button on the dashboard.
If you are unfortunate enough to
become the victim of this type
of offence do not offer any resistance.
Try to remember as much detail
as possible about the offender(s) and
any other vehicle involved.
Choose life over property. Give up the
vehicle and walk away (preferably to the
rear of the car).
See the section ‘Protect Your
Vehicle’ pages 57 to 61 for
more information.
Alternatively, call the police on a
mobile telephone if safe to do so; if it is
unsafe to use a mobile, and you have a
passenger get them to make a call
for you.
Make a note of the car registration
number, model, colour, etc. and a
description of the occupants. Pass it
on to the police. Also note the time,
date, location, weather conditions and
light conditions.
To summarise:
– L ock you car doors whilst driving.
(Advice given by many motoring
safety organisations)
– Know how your central locking works.
Does the central locking include the
boot/hatchback? If not, ensure that
the boot/hatchback is locked. Does
unlocking one door also unlock the
others, including the boot/hatchback,
does it lock/unlock independently?
74
TOP
SAFETY TIP
Park in well-lit areas
If stopping at a cash machine or
similar, try to do so in well-lit or highly
visible areas
75
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
SELF DEFENCE
What if...
It is always sensible to think about what
you would do if you were physically
attacked. Are you capable of fighting
back or would you co-operate to avoid
any further harm? Even if you are
physically capable of inflicting harm
in self defence, it can be extremely
disturbing to know that you’ve caused
serious injury to another human being.
Attacks and rapes by an unknown
person are still very, very rare.
Although it is impossible to comment on
every possible situation, it will probably
be better if you try to diffuse the
situation instead of meeting violence
with violence.
Only you can decide whether to fight
back or ‘play dead’. This will depend
on the circumstances in which you may
find yourself. What’s the best action for
one person could be the worst thing for
someone else.
76
If someone is trying to snatch your bag,
let it go as you may get hurt holding
on to it. Try to get a description of the
attacker and tell the police immediately.
Shout!!!
If you find yourself face to face with
potential attackers let them know
what they are up against. Shout and
scream as loud as you can. This is also
worth doing even if there is no-one else
nearby, as it will probably unnerve your
assailants and frighten them off.
Personal alarm
If you think that you may not have the
confidence to shout or scream in this
type of situation, then consider buying a
personal attack alarm.
Different types are available, from
aerosol sirens small enough to fit in a
pocket, to the battery operated type
that can clip to a belt like a pager. Many
people prefer the battery type, you
only have to pull a string and the alarm
will keep going even if dropped and
stamped on.
If you have any doubts about the
deterrent effect of these devices, then
ask yourself would an attacker continue
an attack or assault whilst a siren was
audible to other people? The answer is
probably not.
Weapons
As you probably know, you are not
allowed to carry a personal armoury
of knives, knuckle-dusters or other
weapons to defend yourself. However,
a person being attacked has every right
to defend themselves with reasonable
force and with any means at their
disposal. That could include keys, rings
and hairspray, to name only a few.
Having your car or house keys ready
in your hand not only stops you being
vulnerable while searching in a handbag
or pocket, but could even be used to
deter an attacker.
If you decide to carry a weapon to
defend yourself, remember you will not
only be breaking the law but you may be
providing an attacker with a weapon to
use on you.
Buying time
It is important to stress if you do fight
back, take the opportunity to escape
while your attacker is nursing injuries,
gaining you some valuable time to
run away.
Self defence and the law
Remember in the use of self-defence,
ask yourself if what you are doing
is reasonable.
Under the Criminal Law Act 1967 you
may use reasonable force depending on
the circumstances to prevent crime or
arrest an offender.
If you are attacked you may defend
yourself, but you may only do what is
reasonably necessary. The law states:
‘You are entitled to defend your family,
servant, master, and even strangers and
their property, but where a person is
merely trespassing without using force,
he or she must be asked to leave before
force is used, and no more force than is
necessary may be used’.
In the case of self-defence you should
be able to show that you did not want
to fight. In most circumstances you
must show that you were prepared to
withdraw from the situation.
(See ‘Householders and the use of
force against intruders’ in the Home
Security section pages 49 to 51 for
more information.)
77
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
3. To say no
6. To be believed
8. To refuse touches
Tell children it’s okay to say no to
anyone if that person tries to harm
them. Most children are taught to listen
to and obey adults and older people
without question.
When children are told to go to an
adult for help, they need to know that
they will be believed and supported.
Although sometimes an immediate
reaction is to say “I told you so!”. This
will not help the child to resolve the
problem, it could also prevent the child
from seeking help another time. This
is especially true in the case of sexual
assault, as children very rarely lie about
it. If the child is not believed when he
or she tells, the abuse may continue for
years and result in suffering and guilt
for the child.
Explain to children that they can say yes
or no to touches or kisses from anyone,
but that no one should ask them to keep
touching a secret. Children sometimes
do not want to be hugged or kissed, but
that should be a matter of choice not
fear. They should not be forced to hug
or kiss anyone.
4. To get help against bullies
YOUNG CHILDREN
A playground bully, an adult stranger,
even a familiar grown-up, can
represent a threat to a child – physically
or sexually.
You can help to increase the safety of
your child and minimise the chance of
anything happening.
Many children are now being taught
how to stay safe, often through special
lessons at school.
KIDSCAPE, a children’s charity active in
protecting children, has produced a set
of guidelines to help parents protect
their children.
With the kind permission of KIDSCAPE
we have published the guidelines below
for you to help your children stay safe:
1. To be safe
Teach children that everyone has rights,
such as the right to breathe, which
shouldn’t be taken away. No one should
take away their right to be safe.
2. To protect their own bodies
Children need to know that their body
belongs to them, particularly the private
parts covered by their swimsuits.
78
Bullies usually pick on younger children.
Tell children to enlist the help of friends
or say no without fighting – and to tell
an adult. Bullies are cowards and a firm
loud NO from a group of children with
the threat of adult intervention often
puts them off.
In cases of real physical danger, children
often have no choice but to surrender
to the bully’s demands. Sometimes
children will fight and get hurt to protect
a possession because of the fear of
what will happen when they get home
without it – “My Mum will kill me for
letting the bullies take my bike. It cost a
lot of money.”
7. To not keep secrets
Teach children that some secrets
should NEVER be kept, no matter if they
promised not to tell. Child molesters
known to the child often say that a
kiss or touch is “our secret”. This can
confuse the child who has been taught
always to keep secrets.
Assure your children that no matter
what happens you will not be angry
with them and that you want them to
tell you of any incident. Children can be
very protective of parents or guardians
and might not tell about a frightening
occurrence because they are worried
about your feelings.
It is NEVER a good idea to talk to a
stranger. Since most well-meaning
adults or teenagers do not approach
children who are by themselves (unless
the child is obviously lost or in distress),
teach children to ignore any such
approach. Children do not have to be
rude, they can pretend not to hear and
quickly walk or run away. Tell children
you will never be angry with them for
refusing to talk to strangers and that
you want to know if a stranger ever talks
to them.
10. To break rules
Tell them that keeping themselves safe
is more important than property.
5. To tell
9. To not talk to strangers
“Me and
mummy talk
about
everything”
Tell your children that they have your
permission to break all rules to protect
themselves, and tell them you will
always support them if they must break
a rule to stay safe. For example, it is
okay to run away, yell and create
a fuss, even to lie or kick to get away
from danger.
Regrettably, what is common sense
to parents isn’t always common sense
to a child. If you think this advice
isn’t relevant to your children, just
test them on each above point and see
their response.
79
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
Public transport
Always wait for a bus or train in a well
lit place, near other people if possible.
Have your pass or the correct change in
your hand, keeping your wallet or purse
out of sight.
On buses or trains, always try to sit near
the driver if your travelling alone.
Carry extra money in case you get
stranded and need to take another bus,
train or taxi.
If you feel threatened, try to get away
from the situation either by moving
seats or by getting off at the next stop.
TEENAGERS
Talking teenagers
It isn’t weak to avoid situations and
run away. Even martial arts experts
try to avoid bad situations rather than
resorting to fighting their way out of
them. No matter who you are there
will always be someone bigger, harder
or meaner.
As you get older you will be given more
independence and freedom to visit
places you wouldn’t normally have gone
to on your own. The trouble is you don’t
become ‘street-wise’ overnight – most
people have to learn the hard way.
The easy way is to read the different
sections of this guide. However, there
are some particular points we believe
are good tips for you:
If the danger increases and you feel
threatened, make as much noise as
possible to attract the driver’s attention
or sound the emergency alarm.
Phone home
Nearly all train and tram stations
have an emergency telephone on the
platform. The police will answer and will
be watching you through video cameras.
The answer is to get a BT ‘Phone Home’
Chargecard. Credit card in size, it lets
you make calls from all public and
private phones and the call is charged
to your home phone bill. The card is
pre-programmed with just one number
(usually your home number) so you can
always call whenever you’re out. This is
the only number it will allow you to call
– so you can’t ring Australia.
Ever been stuck needing to ring home
but haven’t got any money?
To use the Phone Home Chargecard, just
dial 144, then the number on the card.
You will be automatically connected to
your pre-selected telephone number.
If you’re attacked
Much of this advice has been dealt
with earlier in this guide. But in
summary: Only fight if you really have
to – someone’s bound to end up getting
hurt and it’ll probably be you!
– Try not to panic – just think clearly
about how to react.
80
– Make as much noise as possible and
yell for help at the top of your voice.
– You are allowed to use reasonable
force to defend yourself – but don’t
be a hero. It’s better just to have
something taken than to be beaten up
as well.
Keep in touch, be aware
Keep your mind on your surroundings
– it’s very difficult to be ‘in touch’ if
you’re listening to a personal stereo.
Always let someone know where you
are, especially if your plans change.
You may think this advice was just for
younger kids – but it’s good advice
for everyone. Even professionals such
as police officers and members of the
armed forces keep someone informed. It
takes just one quick call.
Always trust your instincts. If you have
a ‘funny feeling’ about someone or
something, don’t ignore it – act on it!
And remember alcohol and drugs dull
your reflexes, no matter how little you
take. Don’t put yourself at risk.
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SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
Out and about
Look confident. Robbers and bullies
tend to choose victims who look like an
easy target. But don’t try to look as if
you are ‘asking’ for a fight.
Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly
lit alleyways, subways or deserted car
parks. Walk down the middle of the
pavement if the street is deserted.
Don’t flaunt your wealth! Designer
labels may look good but are even more
attractive to a robber. Cover jewellery
and hide your wallet or purse.
If you do have to pass danger spots,
think about what you’d do if you felt
threatened – the best bet is to get to a
public place like a petrol station or
shop FAST.
Safer surfing
Whenever possible, walk with a friend
or stay near a group of people.
When you’re on-line, never transmit
your full name, address, phone
number, name of school or any other
personal details.
Avoid passing stationary cars with
their engines running and people sitting
in them.
Consult parents, guardians or teachers
before entering any competitions,
becoming a club member or buying
anything on the web because this may
involve giving bank details and
personal information.
Try to keep both hands free and don’t
walk with your hands in your pockets.
Avoid carrying bags in your hands – use
a rucksack or bum-bag – or carry with
the strap over your head and across
your body.
Be alert to your surroundings if you are
out with a group of friends laughing and
joking, you fail to see what’s going on
around you. Be safe, be aware.
At home or baby sitting
If you are left alone with responsibility
for a house or young children, you have
to make sure you know what to do to
ensure everyone is safe.
Always look to see who’s at the door
before opening it and use a door
chain or spy-hole if there is one fitted.
Otherwise, look through a window and
ask for identification.
Avoid chat rooms unless they
are monitored for bullying and
inappropriate behaviour. Never arrange
to meet on-line friends off-line without
being accompanied by a parent or
guardian. Always be yourself and never
pretend to be someone you are not.
Remember, if someone makes an offer
that seems too good to be true, it
probably is!
Always tell an adult if you see bad
language or distasteful pictures when
you’re on-line, or are you concerned
about any illegal information you may see.
If you receive a malicious telephone call,
keep calm, don’t give your name, don’t
get into a conversation and don’t say
you are in charge of the house. Put the
phone down and tell the house owners
when they return. It is good practice
to never give the phone number when
answering the telephone, just simply
say “hello!”.
If you hear someone breaking in, do not
confront the intruder. Telephone the
police on 999.
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83
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
Mobile phone advice for teenagers
Txt slang
Teach Mum/Dad how to:
If taking a lift or a taxi – text the
registration number to someone
you trust
r
b4
4
gr8
l8
l8r
lol
lyl
m8
no1
pls
cul or cul8r
spk
thx
2
2day
2morrow
2nite
w8
wkend
u
ur
Send and receive text messages
Switch on reports (if necessary)
Use punctuation and symbols
Use predictive text (if available)
Hold down keys for numbers
Set up a phone book and store numbers
of your best mates
Safety tips to share
Only give your number to friends
Teach UR mum 2 TXT
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust promotes
personal safety awareness amongst
children and young people as well
as adults. The charity is devoted to
providing everyone in society with the
practical support and guidance they
need to reduce their fear of crime and
develop skills and strategies for keeping
themselves safe. The ‘Teach UR Mum 2
TXT’ campaign is based on an original
idea by Milly’s Fund, a charity whose
work is now carried out by the Suzy
Lamplugh Trust.
The ‘Teach UR Mum 2 TXT’ campaign
is about using txt-ing to make
communication between parents and
children easier so parents are more
likely to get a response about where
their children are, what time they’ll be
back or who they’re with, for greater
safety. Txt-ing is the way that most
young people like communicating these
days so it makes sense to tap into this.
84
If plans change send a new text
=Are
=Before
=For
=Great
=Late
= Later
= Laughing out Loud
= love you loads
= Mate
= No one
= Please
= See you later
= Speak
= Thanks
= to, too
= Today
= Tomorrow
= Tonight
= Wait
= Weekend
= You
= Your
You can tell your children how it’s far
less embarrassing to get a text from
their mum or dad, than having to
answer the phone to them in front of
their friends. You should also make it
clear that you’re not going to be txt-ing
them 24/7 about their whereabouts
– it’s more about a quick text to you if
their plans change and when they’re on
their way home.
For emergency keep a £5 note in the
back of your phone
Most phones allow 999 calls even if you
have no credit left or keypad locked
Useful phrases
Top tips to get parents started
Dial *#06# for phone serial number and
keep in safe place
ru gonna b l8 2nite? =
Are you going to be late tonight?
Call ‘Immobilise’ on 08701 123123 if
your phone is stolen
i will w8 up 4 u = I will wait up for you
Sit down with your children for a texting
masterclass – this will also give you the
chance to talk about personal safety.
If alone, set your phone to vibrate so not
to draw attention
Advice for mums and dads
Spend time together learning the basics
of how to text.
Put contact numbers of your son/
daughter’s friends in your phonebook.
pls txt me ur friends address =
Please text me your friend’s address
txt me the reg no & company 4 ur taxi
= Text me the registration number and
company for your taxi
wot time will u b back? =
What time will you be back?
© The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
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SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
and this means some members of the
community are reluctant to report
incidents to the them. They have worked
hard to put in place services for victims
of hate crime that is sensitive
and appropriate and focused on the
victim’s wishes.
a whistle down the phone – it doesn’t
work and you’ll only give the caller
the satisfaction of knowing that they’ve
got a reaction.
Why you should report hate crime?
No hate crime is too minor to report to
the police. An incident may be the vital
piece of information required to prevent
further attacks on you or someone else.
The police can fight crime better if
they are told about what is happening
in a community.
HATE CRIME
Definition “Any incident, which may or
Don’t ignore verbal abuse or
name calling.
may not constitute a criminal offence,
which is perceived by the victim or any
other person, as being motivated by
prejudice or hate”.
Don’t wait until it happens to you again,
or to your neighbours. Tell the police
about all hate crime.
Hate crime can affect anyone, but it
is usually associated with a crime or
incident motivated by hatred on the
ground of race, religion or belief, sexual
orientation, disability or gender.
Your safe and secure
check list
Police response
The police will record and investigate
any incident of hate crime reported
to them, regardless of whether it is a
criminal offence or not. They understand
the devastating impact hate crime has
on the people who suffer from it and
the community as a whole, and treat all
hate crimes as a priority.
All police forces recognise that in the
past that they may not have dealt with
hate crime as effectively as they could,
86
The police will deal with
your complaint in a sensitive
manner, with actions based upon
your wishes
No hate crime is too minor to
report to the police
The police can fight crime better
if they are told about what
is happening in a community
You can report a hate crime
at a community agency or on
the internet
NUISANCE PHONE CALLS
You can reduce the chances of receiving
a nuisance call by taking a few obvious
precautions. If you’re a single female
don’t put ‘Miss’ in the phone book. Even
go ex-directory. Anyone can receive a
malicious call as offenders may dial any
telephone number at random. If you got
a nuisance phone call would you know
what to do? Would your children know
what to do if they answered the phone?
Would your reaction deter callers or
encourage them?
Be in control
The most important thing is to be
prepared. Never react, argue or get
involved in a conversation (usually
bluntly telling the caller the error of his
or her way!). Most offenders make the
call to get any kind of reaction, so don’t
give them satisfaction. It’s your phone in
your house so you are in control –
not them.
As soon as you realise that this isn’t
a normal call, simply put the handset
down near to the phone and walk away.
After about ten minutes simply return to
the phone and without listening replace
the handset. This is highly infuriating
to the caller and you probably won’t
be bothered again! Don’t try to blow
If the caller doesn’t give up that easily
and immediately rings back, don’t say
anything when you pick the reciever
up. A genuine caller would always say
something first. If it is the caller again
repeat the steps and let them run up a
phone bill! Callers will always get fed up
before you!
Hello?
One other thing worth mentioning on
this subject, is how you answer the
phone. The BT Nuisance Calls Bureau
recommend that you never give your
name and number when you answer a
call. Simply say “hello”.
If it’s a wrong number never give the
caller your name or telephone number,
ask the caller what number they want
and then confirm if they have it wrong.
If you’ve got a child who answers the
phone make sure they know never to
tell the caller their details. You wouldn’t
let a stranger in the street have a
conversation with them, so why let them
have a conversation with a stranger on
the phone?
Further advice
If you want further advice, ring the free
BT advice line on: 0800 666 700 for a
recorded message which runs 24 hours
a day. If the calls are more serious,
you can get advice from the Nuisance
Call Bureau during office hours on:
0800 661 441
Nuisance calls are becoming rare, BT
can now instantly trace more than 80% of
calls. Making a malicious or obscene call
is a criminal offence. Don’t suffer
in silence.
87
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
IDENTITY THEFT
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone
steals your personal information to
take over your credit accounts, open
new accounts, take out a loan, access
existing bank accounts, or commit many
other crimes in your name and at your
expense.
Criminals commit identity theft by
stealing your personal information.
This is often done simply by retrieving
discarded personal details from
dustbins or by making contact with
you and pretending to be from a
legitimate organisation.
Identity protection
The following tips will assist you in
protecting your identity and prevent
criminals from committing fraud in
your name:
– Be extra careful if you live in a
property where other people could
have access to your mail. In some
cases a bank or credit card company
could arrange for you to collect
valuable items such as new plastic
cards or cheque books from a local
branch.
– Don’t throw cash machine receipts in
bins provided near the machine.
These are a favourite place for crooks
to gather information.
– Be careful who you give private
financial information to, and shred
documents like credit card slips before
discarding them.
– Small paper shredding machines are
now commonly available and easily
affordable. Investing in a shredder
will ensure confidential and personal
documents are destroyed properly.
– Check statements as soon as they
arrive. If any unfamiliar transactions
are listed, immediately contact the
company concerned.
– Ensure you have computer software
protection. Seek specialized advice to
ensure personal information cannot
be accessed by on-line intruders
or ‘hackers’.
Don’t give any of your details over the
phone to someone you don’t know.
– If you move house, tell your bank,
card issuer and all other related
organisations immediately. Ask the
Royal Mail to redirect any mail from
your old address to your new one for
at least a year.
– Be wary of anyone asking for too
much information and don’t be afraid
to challenge them by asking “Why do
you need these details?”
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89
IN CONCLUSION
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SEXUAL ASSAULT
The police acknowledge that domestic
violence can occur in any relationship,
and they now have domestic violence
units in every area.
If you are sexually assaulted you should
report it to the police who will ensure
that you are given special care and help.
They are staffed by specially trained
officers who can tell you what help is
available and will support you whatever
you decide to do.
They also have specialist advice leaflets
which go into much further detail. In an
emergency (where there’s an immediate
threat to life or property) call 999.
Otherwise telephone your local police
switchboard and ask for the support
unit in your area.
In most police areas you will be taken
discreetly to a Sexual Assault Referral
Centre where specialist doctors and
counsellors will give you confidential
help and advice.
If you wish, you may go directly to
one of these centres or telephone for
advice. Each centre is not exclusively
for rape and serious sexual assault by
heterosexual males on females. It is
for adults and young people of both
sexes, including same sex incidents of
sexual assault.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.
Taking sensible precautions to improve your quality of
life and not compromising it, will dramatically reduce
the chances of you being attacked.
Crime prevention, in a way, is a type of insurance. You
hope you’ll never need it, but you want to be prepared
in case it does happen.
If you take practical steps in preventing crime you
reduce your fear of crime and improve the quality of
your life.
BE AWARE, BE SAFE.
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91
SECTION 6 USEFUL CONTACTS
SECTION 6
USEFUL CONTACTS
Crime Reduction
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Hate Crime
National Treatment Agency (NTA)
Visit the Home Office web site for more
detailed information and resources
for people working together to reduce
crime in their area
020 7091 0014
The National Hate Crime reporting
web site
www.nta.nhs.uk
www.crimereduction.gov.uk
BT Assistance
www.suzylamplugh.org
Nuisance Phone Calls
www.report-it.org.uk
Drugs
All police areas have a specialist trained
in the prevention of crime.
BT’s recorded 24 hour detailed advice
message
Addaction
Contact your local police station.
0800 666 700
www.police.uk
BT’s Nuisance Call Bureau (office hours)
UK charity working solely in the field
of drug and alcohol addiction
Citizens Advice Bureau
0800 661 441
ADFAM
Contact you local office, or
Personal Safety Advice (General)
www.adfam.org.uk
www.adviceguide.org.uk
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Child Safety
020 7091 0014
National charity working with families
affected by drugs and alcohol
ChildLine
www.suzylamplugh.org
A free national helpline for children
in trouble or danger. It provides a
telephone counselling service for any
child with any problem, 24 hours a day,
every day
Victim Support
0800 1111
http://www.childline.org.uk/
KIDSCAPE
Helping to prevent bullying and
child abuse
Victim Supportline
0845 30 30 900
www.victimsupport.org.uk
Gay and lesbian issues
The Lesbian and Gay Foundation
Lesbian and Gay Foundation Helpline
(North West)
08451 205 204
0845 3 30 30 30
(www.lgf.org.uk)
www.kidscape.org.uk
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
020 7837 7324
92
www.addaction.org.uk
Cocaine help
www.cocainehelp.org
Increasing the availability, capacity
and effectiveness of treatment for drug
misuse in England
Also publications and guidance for
those in the drug treatment sector
Talk to FRANK
0800 77 66 00
www.talktofrank.com
Drugs information, advice and tips,
signpost to local services, drop-in
centres and groups
www.drugs.gov.uk
Latest news and guidance from
Government about the Drugs Strategy
Connecting people with cocaine/crack
cocaine addiction to find help
Drugscope
www.drugscope.org.uk
UK’s leading independent centre of
expertise on drugs
Lifeline Project
www.lifeline.org.uk
Relief of poverty, sickness and distress
among these persons affected by
addition to drugs of any kind, and to
educate the public on matters relating
to drug misuse
93
SECTION 7 GLOSSARY
SECTION 7
GLOSSARY
SECTION 1 O UTSIDE: the first
line of defence
A guide to suitable prickly plants Climbing plants Cycles Fences Floodlights Garden security Garden tools Help the emergency services find you Lawn mowers Low wattage lights Shed security The use of barbed wire Trees Wheelie bins 12
10
14
9
12
10
15
9
14
13
13
9
10
15
ARE YOU IN?
Curtains Internal sounds Lighting 19
18
17
PHYSICAL SECURITY
CCTV Check insurance Dogs Door and window keys Doors - External Doors - Internal Double glazing Fire Flats and apartments French windows Mortise locks/bolts Patio doors Safes Window locks 94
27
21
27
26
21
25
24
30
26
23
22
23
26
24
DOORSTEP CROOKS
Arrange for security Bogus dealers Bogus officials
Bogus workers
Door chain
Doorstep crime trends Door viewer Good neighbour scheme
Memo minder
No cold calling zones
Passwords and phone numbers
What can friends, neighbours or
relatives do to help?
SECTION 2 GOING ON HOLIDAY
36
35
34
35
34
34
33
37
36
37
36
36
FURTHER PROTECT
Alarms
Burglaries for car keys
Choosing accommodation – tips
Home and car keys
Home watch and neighbourhood watch
Householders and the use of
force against intruders
Liquid forensic coded solutions
Living in rented or temporary
accommodation
Make your property identifiable
Personal attack buttons
Rented accommodation
Safety overnight
Ultraviolet marking
39
46
44
46
48
49
42
45
42
41
44
46
42
At the destination
Home and car security
The journey
55
53
54
SECTION 3 PROTECT
YOUR VEHICLE
Buying a car privately
Buying and selling a car
Looking after your car keys
Make your car identifiable
Number plates
Theft from a vehicle
Tips for choosing security devices
Tracking devices
What is car crime?
61
60
58
59
60
59
58
59
57
SECTION 4 PROTECT
YOUR CARAVAN
Alarms Buying a new caravan Buying a used caravan Identification marks
Keys
Locks Neighbours Registration papers
Tracking
Valuables
64
64
64
64
64
64
65
64
65
64
Driving
Fear of crime
Hate crime
Identity protection
Identity theft
If attacked
In traffic
Mobile phone advice for teenagers
Motorways
Nuisance phone calls
Out and about
Park in well-lit areas, be aware!
Personal alarm
Preparation (driving)
Safer surfing
Self defence
Self defence and the law
Sexual assault
Survival bag (driving)
Teenagers
Teach UR mum 2 TXT
The victim
Transport
Walking
Weapons
Whilst driving Young children
70
67
86
88
88
75
72
85
72
87
82
74
76
70
83
76
77
90
71
80
84
68
68
69
77
74
78
SECTION 6 USEFUL CONTACTS 92
SECTION 5 PERSONAL SAFETY
Approaching or leaving your car
Being followed?
Breakdown (driving)
Buying time
Car jackings
Domestic violence
73
73
70
77
73
90
95
NOTES
96
97
98
99
100
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