Burglaries - In the Home

• Always lock all your doors and windows. Remember - any space big enough for a human head is big enough for someone to climb through.
• Never leave keys in hiding places such as under flower pots or on top of door frames. Burglars know where to look. You could always leave a spare set of keys with a trusted neighbour or friend.
• Where possible fit an alarm.
• If you are going away on vacation for any length of time, use timers on your lights (they are inexpensive and easy to set up). Also, cancel your deliveries for the duration of your absence and ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail so it doesn't build up in your box or doorway.
  
• Never leave property in a porch you tend to leave insecure, even if the door is usually shut.
• Don't leave expensive items on window sills where they could be seen from the street.
• Properly mark your valuables. You can use a UV pen or etching tool to mark property with your house number and zip code. This will make it easy to identify and will act as a huge deterrent to thieves.

Burglaries - Sheds/Garages/Outbuildings

• Sheds and garages should always be properly secured with a good quality lock and where possible, an alarm.
• The property within these outbuildings should be security marked with the owners house number and zip code, and details of specific makes, models, serial numbers etc., should be recorded and stored safely.
• For larger and more distinctive items, it is quite useful to take photographs to keep with the other details already mentioned.
• Chain bigger pieces of equipment or furniture together and then to a secure anchor point.
• Implement security lighting in dark areas, as thieves do not want to be seen and do not want to draw any attention to themselves.
• Do not leave tools or other equipment outside. A shovel, for example, can be used to pry open a window or door.

Bogus Visitors and Repair People

• Use a door chain and peep hole when opening the door.
• Insist on seeing and properly inspecting identification.
• Dont be afraid to tell the person: No, you can't come in.
• Tell the caller to telephone back to make an appointment.
• Call the agency/organization the person is claiming to be from - to double-check their identity. A genuine caller will not mind waiting.
• Call a friend or trusted neighbor if you are nervous.
• Call the police if the person is in your house and you become suspicious. (It would be useful to record a description of the caller and/or their vehicle registration, for the information of officers.)
• Have a panic alarm fitted just inside your front door.
• Become a part of the crime watch group, and post any stickers given in conspicuous places.

Vehicle Crime

• Never leave property on display in your vehicle - this is simply an invitation to a thief.
• Try to park in well-lit areas and if possible, near to monitoring cameras or street lights.
• Utilize alarms, steering locks and other security devices wherever possible.
• Property mark the items which are left in your vehicle with your house number and zip code. For example, if your stereo does not have a flip front, property mark it with a UV pen or etching tool, so it is easily identifiable. Likewise, if you have to leave tools for work in your vehicle at any time, ensure they are property marked and advertise that you have taken this precaution with a sticker in the window. Its simple but it will act as a good deterrent.
• Call the Police if you see anyone suspicious hanging around near cars - they can't beat this crime without your help.
• Call the Police if you are offered any kind of property you believe could be stolen.

Deter Small Business Crime