Crime Prevention

Did you know that approximately 90% of crime is opportunistic? The next most telling fact is that most crime could have been prevented had simple precautions been followed. We have a number of tips about what simple steps you can take to protect you and your property.

Be a good neighbour
Mark and protect your property
Look through a burglar's eyes
Secure all doors
Secure all windows
If you are burgled
Safe and secure project
Check creditals
Spare key
Side passages
Keep your garden shed safe
Gates and fences
Lighting
Burglar alarms
Protect your car
Protect your bike
Personal safety
What men can do to help
Domestic abuse
Contact

Tips on Crime Prevention in Taunton Deane

Be a good neighbour

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police and consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, or if there isn't one in your area you can start one up. Call your local Neighbourhood Watch Administrator for further details on Tel: 01823 363348.

Mark and record your property

Marked property can deter burglars because it's harder for a thief to sell and can help the police to return it if found. Use an indelible identification showing your postcode and the number of your house or flat or the first two letters of its name using a permanent etching tool or an ultraviolet marker pen. Please note however, that a UV pen marking can fade with time and there are many other types of marking systems available.

Record your property by taking pictures of all valuable items like jewellery and silverware and write down the serial numbers of your TV, video, hifi, home computer and camera equipment. If you have many valuable items, fit a safe. Following this you can contact Taunton Police Station on Tel: 0845 4567000 for 'postcoded property' stickers to display in the front and back windows of your house.

Look through a burglar's eyes

Ask yourself some questions.

• Are there any places where they could break in unseen?
• Have you fitted strong locks on your doors and windows?
• Would they have to make a lot of noise by breaking glass or walking across gravel?
• Are there any valuables in sight?
• If you are going away on holiday or are out at work, is it obvious that you are not at home?

Can you get a friend or member of the family to look after your home when you are away for a few days, by collecting your post, drawing your curtains at night and generally making the place look lived in? Promising to return the favour is often enough to get help.

Safer Homes in Somerset website - external link

Secure all doors

If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Make sure the doors and frames are strong, in good condition and at least 44 mm thick. Glass panels on or around the door are especially vulnerable, so replace them with laminated glass if possible. Fit back and front doors with a five-lever mortice deadlock - and use it! Make sure door locks are approved to BS3621. Fit all exterior doors (apart from the final exit) top and bottom with bolts. Remember to fit all security devices with strong screws or bolts. Get specialist advice on fitting locks to patio doors. Fit both french doors, top and bottom, with a security mortice lock and mortice bolt.

If you are thinking of buying PVCu or metal framed windows or doors, make sure that they come with good built-in locks and a fitted chain, which can be very difficult and expensive to add retrospectively. Only use local locksmiths who are members of the Masters Locksmiths' Association. Make sure doors are approved to PAS23/24, and windows are approved to B7950.

Secure all windows

Over a third of burglars get in through a back window. Easily visible locks may deter some thieves as they mean they would have to break a window and would risk attracting attention. Most DIY shops sell inexpensive key operated locks. Louvre windows are especially vulnerable because the slats can be removed easily from the frame. Glue the slats in place with an epoxy resin and fit a special louvre lock. Better still, replace them with fixed glass.

If you are burgled

A secure home will reduce the chance of you getting burgled, but if you get home and notice signs of a break-in:

• Don't go in or call out - the intruder could still be inside.
• Go to a neighbour's to call the police.
  

Safe and secure project

Although crimes against an elderly person is rare, Taunton Deane Borough Council works in partnership with Age Concern to bring pensioners on limited incomes help to pay for security equipment, such as door and window locks and door chains. This allows elderly people to live independent lives in their own homes for as long as possible. To find out more information about the scheme, telephone Age Concern (external link) on Tel: 01278 785921.

Check credentials

Be wary of any unexpected callers, whether it's a man or a woman. Some confidence tricksters specialise on preying on people of all ages so always check their credentials.

Spare keys

Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat or in a flower pot. A thief will always look there first. If you are moving into a new house, consider changing the back and front door locks - other people may have keys that fit.

Side passages

Fit a strong, lockable, high gate across the passage to stop a thief getting to the back of the house where they can work undisturbed. If you share an alleyway with a neighbour, ask their permission and for help with the cost.

Keep your garden shed safe

Garden sheds can be an easy target for thieves. The following hints can make your shed more secure:

• Keep your shed in a good condition.
• Use coach bolts not screws on hinges and locks.
• Fit a good quality hasp and padlock or if possible a five lever mortice lock.
• Use window locks on opening windows and fit reinforced glass or a steel grill.
• Postcode all valuable items and make a list of all tools and equipment with serial numbers.
• Fit an alarm and outside security lighting.
• Plant thorny bushes, trees or shrubs.
• Use gravel, it crunches when walked on.
  

Gates and fences

Check for weak spots where a thief could get in. For example, a low or sagging fence, or a back gate with a weak lock. A thorny hedge along the boundary can act as a deterrent, but make sure this does not obscure the house from passers-by so a burglar can work unseen.

Lighting

Good lighting can deter a thief. As most burglaries happen when a house or flat is empty, use time switches to turn on lights, radios and other appliances when you are out.

Burglar alarms

Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice. There are many systems on the market, ranging from cheaper DIY alarms to more sophisticated alarms costing hundreds of pounds. Get specialist advice and a number of quotes. Consult your insurance company for the companies they recommend before deciding which best suits your needs. The system should meet BS4737 (professionally installed) or BS6707 (DIY). Remember that a badly fitted alarm can create problems in itself so carefully consider the way in which you do it.

Protect your car

Make sure your windows are etched with the car registration or serial number. Think about choosing a car radio that is security coded or removable. Fit a car alarm, immobiliser, gear or wheel lock and display a sign in the window to show the vehicle is protected. Lockable wheel nuts will stop thieves from stealing your wheels. A lockable fuel cap will stop people from stealing your fuel. Don't leave valuables on show inside your car, but if they must be left inside, lock them in your boot. When buying security equipment, make sure it is Thatcham Approved. For further information on all of these points, contact your local Police Station on Tel: 0845 4567000.

Protect your bike

Do not leave your bike in an isolated place. Always lock your bike when you leave it, even if it is only for a minute. That is all it takes for someone to steal it. Use proper cycle anchors or robust street furniture, such as trees, parking meters, railings. Lock your bike through the frame. Remove smaller parts which can not be secured and take them with you when you can, especially light and quick release saddles. Make sure all security marking is visible so it acts as a deterrent.

Personal safety

The chances that you, or a member of your family will be a victim of violent crimes are very rare in Taunton Deane. Overall they account for a very small part of recorded crime nationwide. Nevertheless, many people are frightened that they, or someone close to them, will be the victim of an attack. The best way to minimise the risk is by taking sensible precautions.

Use only your surname and initials in the telephone directory. That way a stranger won't know whether a man or a woman lives there. If you are selling your home, don't show them around on your own. Get the estate agent to send a representative. When you answer the phone simply say 'hello'. Do not give your number and if the caller claims to have the wrong number ask them to repeat the one they were trying to call. If you receive an abusive or threatening phone call, put the receiver down beside the phone and walk away. Come back a few minutes later and replace the receiver without listening to hear if the caller is still there. Don't say anything as an emotional reaction is just what the caller wants. If the calls continue tell the police and the operator and keep a record of the date, time and content of each call.

If you often walk home in the dark, get a personal attack alarm and carry it in your hand so you can set it off immediately to scare off an attacker. Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards, and if someone does grab it, let it go. Your safety is more important than your property. Carry your house keys in your pocket so the thief will not be able to gain access to your home. If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street. If you are still worried after this, go to the nearest place where there are other people. If you regularly jog or cycle, vary your route and time. Stick to well-lit roads with pavements and if you go onto parklands, keep to main paths and open spaces. Don't take short-cuts through dark alleys, parks or across waste ground and always carry your personal alarm with you.

Before you go out in the evening, make sure you book a taxi with a reputable firm. If you don't do this, make sure you have their number handy for the end of the evening. On public transport, try to stay away from isolated bus stops, especially after dark. On an empty bus, sit near the driver or conductor. On a train, sit in a compartment where there are several other people. When driving make sure your vehicle is in good condition and always plan your route before you leave. Make sure you have enough money and petrol and carry a spare petrol can. If you don't have a mobile phone, keep some change and a phonecard handy. If someone tries to flag you down, drive on until you come to a service station, or somewhere busy and call the police. Do not pick up hitch-hikers. Keep the doors locked when you are driving and don't leave valuables in an obvious place.

Self defence and safety awareness classes may help you feel more secure. Contact your local Police Station on Tel: 0845 4567000 to find out what courses are offered in your area.

What men can do to help

Although men themselves can feel threatened, there is no doubt that women are more vulnerable. Men can help them by taking the issue of their safety seriously in their everyday lives and considering changing their behaviour. If you are walking in the same direction as a woman on her own and there aren't many people around, don't walk behind her. Don't sit too close to a woman on her own on a bus or in a railway carriage. If you are thinking of chatting to a woman waiting, for example, at a lonely bus stop, remember that she won't know you mean her no harm. Realise how threatening actions such as staring, whistling, passing comments and jostling can be, particularly when you are one of a group of men. Help female friends or family members by giving them a lift or walking them home when you can.

Domestic abuse

Sadly, women are in fact more likely to be at risk from people they know. Violent attack, inside or outside the home, is a criminal offence. Nobody has the right to abuse you either mentally, emotionally, sexually or physically. Victims may be made to feel responsible and guilty for the abuse. The decision to take action against the abuser may be a difficult one, but it is important to remember you do not have to suffer in silence. On average a woman suffering domestic abuse will remain silent for up to 35 assaults before she decides to report it.

A woman does not have to put up with that kind of behaviour.

In the short term emergency measures can be planned. Talk to a neighbour you trust. Arrange a signal, and ask them to call the police if they hear a disturbance. In the longer term you will need to think about how or what you can do to alter your situation. Remember that domestic violence is a crime and can be dealt with through the police and courts. You should report a violent attack to the police, who can help you. In addition there are organisations which can offer support and practical advice. Their services are confidential, and in many cases, completely free.

Contacts

Domestic Abuse Freestone Support Line (DAFFS) 
Tel: 0800 69 49 999 - No charge for your call will appear on your telephone account

Victim Support Somerset 
Tel: 01823 336523

Police 
Tel: 01823 363615 (office hours)
Tel: 01823 337911 (out of hours)

Emergency 999

If you have any tips on crime prevention within Taunton Deane then we would like to hear from you.

Contact the Community Safety Team
Tel: 01823 356317
Email: community.safety@tauntondeane.gov.uk

Related links

Reducing Crime and Disorder