Dos and Donts
Below are sets of Dos and Donts gathered together in groups to allow you to put together a checklist when (e.g.) going on holiday. Simply click on the group to reveal the suggestions below and click the group heading again to hide the suggestions.
Please remember that we want you to enjoy living here and these suggestions are designed to reduce you liklihood of crime.
This section is designed to give you simple suggestions to cut down on the risk of you suffering crime. In most cases, by undertaking these simple suggestions, you will make criminals go somewhere else and leave you alone.
Do ensure you lock doors and windows when they are not in use.
Do set and use burglar alarms (applies to houses and cars).
Do respond to burglar alarms (but don't put yourself at risk).
Do lock your cars and bikes and, preferably, lock them in the garage.
Do keep an eye out for suspicious characters in the neighbourhood.
Don't leave valuable articles where they can be seen from outside (applies to houses and vehicles).
Do tell trusted neighbours that you will be away. They can look out for unexpected visitors and ring the Police.
Do leave a key with trusted neighbours. This might be a good idea anyway as you will have someone to let you in when you lock yourself out - it happens!
Do get someone to move the post or have a letterbox fitted where the contents can not be seen from the front door, a window or through the letter box itself.
Do cancel the milk or let a neighbour use it while you are away.
Do cancel the papers or get your trusted neighbour to move them (see post above).
Do use automatic lights which come on at night and use these all year round. These are quite sophisticated now with random variations in the time they come on or go off to make it appear that someone is at home.
Do get a friend to take you to the airport or station. If you need to use a taxi, use a company you trust and don’t discuss your holiday plans.
Don't tell everyone that you are going on holiday - you don't know who is listening!
Don't close the curtains - closed curtains during the day may show you are away.
Don't put your home address on your luggage on the outward section of the journey.
Don't forget your passport, tickets and money.
Do have a good time.
Do employ people recommended by friends or neighbours.
Do ask for references and, where appropriate, work permits.
Do examine work carried out for friends or neighbours.
Don't employ people who come to the door.
Do ring 999 if a person's life is at risk or there is a crime in progress.
Don't ring 999 to report anti-social behaviour - use 101 or 03456 043 043.