Burglaries

Kent Police is asking residents to take simple measures to protect themselves from becoming a victim of burglary.

Overall the force has seen a positive decrease in this type of crime, but statistics show that the number of reports can increase during the autumn months.

Most burglaries happen during daylight hours, with offences often peaking at about 11am, so while you’re hard at work, burglars are too. Most burglars are opportunists, which means it is important to ensure the security measures taken at night are also taken before you leave home in the morning.

From experience, the police know burglary can leave victims feeling scared and anxious long after the crime has been committed.

To help reduce the risk of becoming a burglary victim officers are asking residents to work with them by following these key principles:

Light it

• Light dark or hidden entrances with low wattage security lighting
• Use timer switches to turn on lights/radio – invest in a 24-hour segment timer for under £5. Remember to use an energy efficient light bulb

Lock it

• Keep your front and back windows and doors locked (double lock uPVC)
• Keep side gates locked – burglars often break into homes from the garden where they have less chance of being seen
• If bins are emptied before you leave for work return them to your garden – they can be used as climbing aids if left on display
• Instead use bins as obstructions in side entrances
• Trim high hedging/plant growth – they could provide cover for a burglar
• Secure your garage and shed – items inside can be just as tempting and can even be used to break in
• If you get the train ensure your car is locked, windows are closed and keys are not left on display through windows
• Don’t keep large amounts of money or jewellery at home. If you have to, use a safe that is stored out of sight and fixed to a solid floor

List it

All valuable items should be registered for free on www.immobilise.com – logging details helps police to return them to you if they are found or seized. These include:

• Expensive jewellery and antiques
• Bicycles
• Laptops, desktop computers and tablets
• Mobile phones and MP3 players
• Home entertainment systems including TVs and games consoles

Please see Kent Police’s dedicated campaign web page

Or view their campaign video

Kent Police have informed us that they have had a number of reports of burglary other than to dwellings throughout the whole of Kent. This will include burglaries to garden sheds, outbuildings and garages but not to homes. The offenders are normally looking for power tools, mowers, cycles and quad bikes. Please find here some crime reduction advice from Kent Police. If you would like a copy of this leaflet in large print, another format or language call 01622 652158. 

 

Oil Burglaries

With the spiralling cost of all fuel oil types, the theft of these commodities is becoming a more attractive proposition to potential offenders throughout the country. For obvious reasons, bulk fuel is probably the most attractive target. Therefore this advice is aimed at that section of our community; farmers, householders and businesses; particularly those in rural communities, who have heating or fuel oil, such as diesel stored in external tanks.

The following advice may help improve the security of your supply:

• The simple act of keeping your yard or drive gates closed and securely locked could prevent a theft.
• Ensure gates and fences are in good repair.
• Consider installing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) along with suitable lighting.
• The location of storage tanks can be a critical factor.
• Ideally they should be situated within sight of your home, office or business while at the same time being difficult to see by the general public.
• Plant thorny shrubs around your tank, e.g. Pyrocanthia, Berberis, Ilex or even Gooseberry
• Regularly check your fuel levels so that you can easily spot if the level drops.
• Tank valves should be locked as should any inspection or filling hatches and consideration should be given to purchasing a remote electronic oil level gauge which will set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a certain level. Install lockable caps with crop proof padlocks/fittings and where possible provide vulnerable fuel hoses with hardened/flexible casing so that they are harder to cut.
• Remember when buying alarms, CCTV, locks or any security devices, the better the quality the longer it will last.
• If you are installing or re-siting an oil tank, consider securing the tank in an alarmed, ventilated, brick or block built, locked structure. Consideration could also be given to surrounding the tank in a weld mesh lockable cage, however also remember that the oil tanker driver will need access to fill the tank!
• Check your oil is covered by your household or business insurance.
• Record the details of any unfamiliar vehicles and their occupants seen in the area.
• It is very important to mark property with your postcode, including items in your shed and garage and please don’t leave valuable items on view. Items that are marked are less likely to be stolen, however, if they are stolen and recovered, they can be returned to the rightful owner. Forensic Marking solutions are also readily available. If you would like further crime prevention advice, please contact your local Neighbourhood Team via 101.

Security is everyone’s responsibility and our aim is to introduce measures that prevent or deter crime and increase the risks for the criminal.

Information regarding this type of crime can be passed onto Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers website.