Burglary

LOOKING AFTER YOUR HOME

Burglaries

A lot of burglaries can be prevented. In three burglaries out of ten, the thief does not have to force his way in because a door or window has been left open. In Jersey, many people still leave doors and windows unlocked, allowing burglars easy access to their homes, and their valuable possessions.

Burglars do not like locked windows because someone will hear breaking glass. They do not like security deadlocks on doors because they cannot open them even from the inside and they have to get out through a window.

Advice on preventing burglary is available from the Crime Reduction Officer by phoning the switchboard on (01534) 612612.

How Safe is Your Home ?

• Gates and Fences
  A high wall or fence at the back of a house can put off a burglar. But keep them low at the front so a burglar cannot work unseen.
  
• Burglar Alarms
  Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice.
  
• Small Windows
  Even small windows like casement windows, skylights or bathroom fanlights might need locks. A thief can get in through any gap larger than a human head.
  
• Spare Keys
  Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like under a doormat or in a flower pot - a thief will look there first.
  
• Front Door Roof
  A thief could reach first floor windows from this roof - so fit window locks.
  
• Garages
  Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house. Lock tools and ladders away so that a thief cannot use them to break in.
  
• Side Passage
  Stop a thief getting to the back of the house, where he can work with less chance of being seen, by fitting a strong high gate across the passage. If you share an alleyway with a neighbour, talk to him or her about sharing the cost.
  
• Door Viewers
  They mean you can see who the callers are before opening the door.
  
• Front Doors
  Fit a good strong lock - a deadlock is best.
  
• Windows
  There are several types of window lock on the market.One which locks the two windows together or a more discreet type which is embedded into the wooden frame. Or there are devices to stop the window opening beyond a certain limit. Patio door locks need to be fitted top and bottom.
  

Not all callers are genuine

Most callers are probably quite genuine. But there are some who are out to steal or "con" you out of your money. Despite what the papers say elderly people are not the most likely to become victims of crime. But it is important to take a few sensible precautions, particularly when people call at your home.

Remember...

• Never let anyone in unless you are absolutely sure they are genuine.
• Always put the chain on before you open the door.

Not all burglars have to break and enter...
Burglars won't go to the trouble of breaking in if they can just knock and be invited in. So always be on your guard when anyone you're not expecting - male or female - turns up at your door. Crooks come in many disguises. These are just a few of them.

Bogus "officials"
may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the electric company, gas board or other organisations. But their real purpose is to trick their way into your home to see what they can steal.

Bogus "dealers"
may offer to buy "antiques", furniture or jewellery at what seems to be a good price. The chances are that they are trying to trick you into selling something for a lot less than it's worth. If you want to sell something, choose one or two genuine dealers to value it or ask a friend or relative for their advice.

Bogus "workmen"
may say that they need to come in to check something or make urgent repairs. Again, they really want to come in to steal. You also need to be careful of callers who offer to make building repairs or tarmac your drive. Often they will ask for money in advance and then simply disappear, or do a poor job very expensively. If you need to have any building work done it makes sense to get several written quotes from trustworthy firms and then decide which is best.

Remember...
Genuine callers will normally make an appointment first and will carry identification with their photograph on.

This is what you should do if someone calls.

• Check to see who it is by using your spyhole if you have one, or by looking through a front window. Always put the chain on before you open the door (if you don't have a chain it's a good idea to get one - they don't cost much).
  For fire safety only put your chain on when you answer the door - don't keep it on all the time as this could delay your exit in case of fire.
  
• If you don't know them, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully. Genuine callers won't mind if you close the door while you do this.
  
• If you are not sure, ask the caller to come back later. You can then check their story by phoning the organisation or company they claim to represent. Look up the number in your own telephone directory. Don't rely on the telephone number on their card - it may be the number of a crook's partner.
  
• If you are still not happy, phone your local police and tell them what has happened, and tell your relatives and friends.
  
• Watch out for anyone who says they are in a hurry. Don't let them pressure you.
  

Be Neighbourly!

If you see anything suspicious, phone the police straight away on 612612 or 999 in an emergency. The police need your help.