We were grateful to Police Community Support Officers Jacqueline and Guy from Amersham station for giving us their time on Sunday 15th December. They were able to dispel some myths and give some timely advice on how to keep homes and properties safe particularly at a time of year when lots of people are away.
The first myth is that property crime is high and on the rise. It can feel that way sometimes, but this kind of crime is very rare in our area and in Winchmore Hill particularly. That said, if it does happen it can have a big impact so burglaries are a police priority. Always call 999 if you see a crime in progress and the police will try and attend if at all possible (myth 2 busted). So if you see a stranger in the garden, someone trying doors or a stranger on your Ring doorbell or cctv, do report it. If it's just someone acting suspicious in the village, you can call 111. All reports are logged and go towards building up a picture of where crimes are taking place. That guides the police as to where to send patrols.
So, we are all at low risk of burglary or car theft, but there are still things we can do to make it less likely. These fall into two categories: signs of occupation and deterrents. Criminals don't want to get caught, they don't normally want a fight and they do look for easy opportunities. An occupied property is much less attractive than an empty one so do things to make it look like there's someone home even if there isn't. That's as simple as leaving lights on timers especially if you're away. There are plenty of low-priced smart plugs available now, so try to have lamps come on in different parts of your property at different times, night and day. You could also leave a radio on a timer so it sounds like someone's around. If you feel particularly exposed you could put one-way film on windows so people can't just see all your worldly goods and whether anyone's around to protect them.
Then there are lots of things we can do to put off would-be burglars. Top of the list is to check your windows and doors, make sure the locks are up to standard and actually locked too. If you've got one, close and lock your gate. It's your first line of defence and a burglar is going to be put off if they have to climb over in full view of the street. A locked gate prevents a quick getaway too. Many of us will have a smart video doorbell, security lights and even CCTV. In low crime areas it's easy to forget to charge them but make sure they're charged and working. And if you have a house alarm, get into the habit of setting it. If you do install any security devices (and even if you don't) put up a sticker somewhere prominent telling a potential intruder that they're likely to be disturbed. It's all about putting them off trying to enter your property.
On the subject of easy wins, take keys out of doors so no one can smash a window and open them. Do tell members of your household where the keys are in case they have to get out quickly if there's a fire. If you have a keyless car ignition, you'll know to keep your fob in a Faraday pouch to block the signal. Again it's something to get into the habit of doing.
Parcel thefts are quite common, so if you have a lot of deliveries, make sure you give couriers a safe place that's actually safe. If you do have a Ring or similar video doorbell, don’t say you’re not in when you answer - you're just busy with something.
We hear that stolen property is rarely recovered but give the police a chance. There are ways to mark up bikes which make them harder to sell on and provide a return address. Take photos of jewellery and consider smart water or select dna which leaves a unique signature that links back to you. Again use stickers to inform potential burglars that it will be harder to sell on.
Jackie and Guy went on to talk about scams but that can be the topic of a future post. Thanks again to our PCSOs for their time and advice and to Elle for organising. Let's all make our homes safer this Christmas.
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