Domestic Burglary

Between 2003/04 and 2006/07 Domestic Burglary in Barnsley fell by 51%

The following tips provide advice on how you can help us maintain this trend!

HOME SECURITY

" ALARM - it is a fact that most offenders will shy away from trying to enter a house that has an alarm installed. They prefer to be in and away with little or no fuss at all.
" KEYS, including car keys, should never be left lying around for anybody to pick up. Leaving them on hooks, in window locks or on a hallway table near a door or letterbox is just inviting crime.
" MARK  - the simplest and cheapest method of security marking your property is to use an ultra-violet pen to write your postcode and house number or the first two letters of the house name.
" LIGHTING - make it look like you are in when you are out. Time switches can be fitted to operate radios and lights when you are out.
" SECURE all doors and windows - if they are not secure, neither is your home.

Remember! Make sure your home is secure at all times of the day and night, keep your doors and windows locked.

BOGUS CALLERS

Burglars sometimes use false pretences to gain entry to your property.  These are known as bogus callers or distraction burglars.

STOP: Before you answer, think if you are expecting anyone. Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is.
 
CHAIN: If you decide to open the door put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.

CHECK: Ask for and double check their identity card.

Remember! If in doubt, keep them out!

GARDEN SECURITY

" SECURE your property with a fence or wall at least 1.8 meters tall and maintain this in a good condition. Prickly bushes and dense plants offer an alternative to walls or fences to secure your property.
" TOOLS - never leave tools lying around the garden or leave the shed unlocked. Keep what tools you are using with you and replace them when you have finished with them.
" LOCK external buildings such as sheds and garages using good quality padlocks.
" SITE sheds close to the house where the shed doors and windows can be easily observed.
" LIGHTING the side and rear of the house with lights operated by a dusk to dawn sensor and incorporating low energy bulbs is a low cost, energy efficient way of providing security and safety.

Remember! Just because it's a garden doesn't mean that it doesn't need protecting.