I have received an enquiry from a NHW member who has received an email from a Company called Matters Consulting Ltd, t/a Survey UK of Cheltenham, www.surveygifts.co.uk.

The email informs them that they are entitled to a gift donated by a local business (no name given).

They quote a gift confirmation number which can either be telephoned through or by logging onto their website.

Trading Standards have confirmed they have heard of this Company - they are trying to get people to join a gym by giving a free gift of a manicure or pedicure and supposedly cheaper membership to the Gym Club.

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Here's some advice regarding identity theft.

What is identity theft?

Your identity and personal information are valuable. Criminals can find out your personal details and use them to open bank accounts and get credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driving licences in your name. If your identity is stolen, you may have difficulty getting loans, credit cards or a mortgage until the matter is sorted out.

Things to look out for. You may become a victim of identity theft if:

• You have lost or had stolen important documents such as your passport or driving licence.
• Post expected from your bank has not arrived or you are receiving no post at all.

You may already be a victim of identity theft if:

• Items have appeared on your bank or credit-card statements that you do not recognise.
• You applied for a state benefit but are told that you are already claiming.
• You receive bills, invoices or receipts addressed to you for goods or services you haven't asked for.
• You have been refused a financial service, such as a credit card or a loan, despite having a good credit history.
• A mobile phone contract has been set up in your name without your knowledge.
• You have received letters from solicitors or debt collectors for debts that aren't yours.

How to protect yourself - Security tips

• Regularly gets a copy of your personal credit file (this costs as little as£2) from a credit reference agency to see if it includes any entries you do not recognise.
• Royal Mail offers a redirection service to help prevent identity fraud when you move house. Consider asking Royal Mail to redirect any post from your old address to your new one for at least a year. You will have to pay a charge for this service. If you move house, also tell your bank, credit-card company and all other organisations that you deal with, as soon as possible. To check that your personal details are secure, get a copy of your credit file two to three months after moving. Always be careful if other people have access to your post. Contact Royal Mail if you think your post is being stolen. Check whether a mail redirection order has been made in your name without your knowledge.

Credit and debit cards

• Cancel any lost or stolen credit or debit cards immediately. Keep a note of the emergency numbers you should call. Be careful to keep personal information secure when using your card over the phone, on the internet or in shops by making sure that other people cannot overhear you or see your personal information.

Look after your personal documents

• Keep your personal documents in a safe place, preferably in a lockable drawer or cabinet at home. Consider storing valuable financial documents (such as share certificates) with your bank.
• If your passport or driving licence has been lost or stolen, contact immediately the organisation that issued it.
• Don't casually throw away documents such as bills, receipts, credit or debit card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post in your name.
• Destroy unwanted documents, preferably by using a shredder.
• heck statements as soon as they arrive. If any unfamiliar transactions are listed, contact the bank or company concerned immediately.

Password tips

• Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be aware that a bank will never contact you to ask you for your personal identification number (PIN) or for a whole security number or password.
• Don't use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords on other websites. Using different passwords makes it harder for criminals to access your accounts. Avoid using your mother's maiden name or family date of birth as passwords. Keep passwords safe and never record or store them in a way which leaves them open to theft, such as in your purse or wallet.

If you think you are a victim

• Act quickly to make sure that you are not liable for financial losses caused by criminals using your identity.
• Report lost or stolen documents, such as passports, driving licences, credit cards and cheque books to the organisation that issued them.
• Consider contacting CIFAS - the UK's Fraud Prevention Service to apply for protective registration if you believe you are a victim of identity fraud or at risk of becoming one. Once you have registered, CIFAS members will carry out extra checks whenever anyone, including you, applies for a financial service using your address. They do this to make sure that a criminal is not trying to commit fraud by pretending to be you. You will have to pay a charge for this service.
• If someone has fraudulently opened an account in your name, contact the company concerned immediately.
• Contact your bank or credit card company to report suspicious transactions on your statement.
• Get a copy of your personal credit file and report any suspicious entries. Report the matter to your local police and ask for a crime reference number.

For more information and a list of who can help - go online to www.identitytheft.org.uk

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Between 4th-16th December there have been 14 incidents reported to the police of thefts from delivery vans/transit vans whilst parked at business premises or residential areas. The main areas affected are Hampton, Paston, Park, Woodston, Eastgate, Orton Waterville, Orton Malborne, Werrington, Welland and North Bretton.

In three of these incidents, vehicles have been left insecure with a Sat Nav or PDA left on display in the vehicle cab. Can vehicle drivers/owners help to reinforce the message to their staff, that when leaving a vehicle they should remove all valuables from the cab.

Opportunist car thieves operate across the city, it only takes a couple of minutes to remove items, especially when leaving a vehicle overnight.

For more information regarding crime prevention, ring the Community Safety Unit at Bridge Street Police Station on 0845 456 456 4.

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The New Year is upon us and no doubt you spent a lot of time and money on those special presents at Christmas for friends and family.

Many Bicycles, Mobiles, MP3's/4's, Playstations, DVD Recorders, LCD TV's and Sat Navs will have been unwrapped in Park Farm.

Shame then that burglars and opportunist thieves care little for your Christmas spirit and will quite happily relieve you and your loved ones of such presents just for their next fix.

Here's a good idea for the New Year. Make your property 'too hot to handle' and postcode your property now and then register it free on the police approved Immobilise site www.immobilise.com

Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch offer a free Equipment Marking Service.

We'll do it free of charge if you prefer using our UV, Permafix Stickers or engraving techniques. Please contact your street coordinator, click here or call 07939 664788 to arrange an appointment.

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I would like to ask you all to check the security of your pedal cycles. We have had a number of shed burglaries across the Sector where pedal cycles have been stolen. I'm afraid to say 'it's that time of year again' when these items are ideal Christmas presents. Therefore, if you keep your cycles in the garden or the shed please ensure they are secured to a heavy object making life difficult for the 'would be' thief. Don't forget to make a note of the Make, Model, Serial/Frame number and colour and of course, post code it - so if it is found, we can easily re-unite it with the genuine owner. There has also been a theft of 6 large fitness balls, grey and silver in colour. These were stolen from the Bushfield Sports Centre at approx 1545hrs on the 10th December.

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Card Fraud - 3 arrested.

I have had a few enquiries with regards to the Shell Petrol Stations and I can now confirm that last week 3 men were arrested on suspicious of conspiracy to steal in connection with an investigation into allegations of card cloning at a number of Shell petrol stations. Police have received more than 300 complaints from people who have used their credit or debit card at the garages, which are all in the Peterborough area and have then had money fraudulently removed from their accounts. Officers believe that up to £500,000 has been stolen from these complainants, but that there may be others who have not yet come forward.

Shell has fully supported the Police investigation into the allegations.

We encourage anyone who believes they have had money stolen from their accounts, particularly if that has happened after paying with a credit or debit card at a Shell petrol station in Peterborough, to contact their bank or financial service provider so they can liaise with the Police.

We are keen to hear from anyone, including Shell staff members, who may have noticed any suspicious or unusual activity with the garages, particularly when they have gone to make payment.

We also urge people to ensure they keep a close eye on their bank accounts and query any transactions they don't recognise or remember making. You should also ensure you use the more secure chip and pin function on your card, rather than the old signature method of card payment.

Although this investigation has been concerned with incidents that appear to have happened at Shell petrol stations, this type of fraud can happen anywhere, so you should always be vigilant about card security.

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Don't be misled into buying items, such as TV's/DVD's etc, either at the door or from boots of cars etc, because they are cheap.

If it sounds too good to be true it usually is and people have found that when they try the items back home, they don't work.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police on 0845 456 4564.

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We have been contacted by one of our NHW members who has received a telephone call from a gentleman stating he is from the Fire Service.

This male asked unusual questions such as 'how old are you'. He then went on to say he would be calling at the address to do a Fire check, at an appointed time. Enquiries have been made with the Local Fire Service who confirm they are not doing any surveys in the area.

If you receive a knock at the door, don't forget to ask to see their identification. If you receive similar telephone calls, please be aware ! Contact Gavin Hammond the Community Fire Officer at Dogsthorpe Fire Station on Telephone 07717-858172 or the Police on 0845 456 4564.

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The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:- A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a premium rate mail scam originating from Belize.

If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £15 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details then please contact Royal Mail Fraud or ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) or your local trading standards office.

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We've had an increase in shed/garage burglaries and no doubt this will get worse on the run up to Christmas.

Without realising it, you probably have a lot of valuable property in your sheds and outbuildings and you don't pay as much attention to security as you should. Power tools, lawnmowers, cycles, golf clubs etc are all expensive to replace and attractive to thieves.

Shed doors are notoriously easy to get into so strengthen the door and frame if you can. Outside door hinges should be secured with coach bolts or similar. Use strong padbars and close shackle padlocks. Up and over garage doors can be secured by putting padlocks through the inside runners or by fitting padlocks with a hasp and staple on either side of the door. 5 lever mortice locks are also very good on normal solid doors.

Use an alarm - battery operated alarms may act as a deterrent. If you have a house alarm, you could have it upgraded to include your shed or garage. If the garage is an integral part of your house, make sure the alarm conforms to BS 4737.

Check what you keep in the shed. Does your insurance cover the shed and garage and all the equipment you store? Is everything post-coded so that you could identify it if it was stolen? Do you have a note of serial numbers? Do you secure property within the shed so that even if someone did break in, they would not just be able to walk off with all your valuable items. NEVER leave cycles unlocked.

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101 was today confirmed as the new telephone number for the public to secure advice and action on community safety and anti-social behaviour issues.

The service is designed to improve the delivery of non-emergency services by ensuring a better co-ordinated response by local agencies, while freeing up the 999 service to handle emergency incidents. read the full press release here.

(Note: The first wave involves partnerships between police forces and local authorities in the Hampshire Police force area, Northumbria Police force area, Cardiff in South Wales, Sheffield in South Yorkshire and Leicester City & Rutland County in Leicestershire)

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About National Identity Fraud Prevention Week™

National Identity Fraud Prevention Week is the UK’s only nationwide awareness campaign designed to help you protect yourself and your business from identity fraud, one of the UK’s fastest growing crimes.

Research commissioned by Fellowes for the first ever national awareness week last year showed that whilst people are worried about the risks of identity fraud, over 18 million of us are simply not doing enough to protect our identities.

The ID Fraud site has been designed to help you and your business understand how identity fraud occurs and how you can take steps to protect yourself. You can download your free guide to Protecting Your Identity or you can take our online Identity Fraud – Are You At Risk? Test to assess how safe your identity really is.

National Identity Fraud Prevention Week is an initiative launched by leading UK organisations: Metropolitan Police, CIFAS, Federation of Small Businesses, Callcredit, Experian, Equifax, Crimestoppers, Identity and Passport Service and Fellowes.

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From recent enforcement patrols carried out by Council Licensing Officers, it has become quite apparent that there is genuine confusion amongst the public concerning the difference between Taxi and Private Hire Cars. Taxis in Peterborough are a very distinctive shape, i.e. the traditional London Cab [Hackney].

These vehicles can be hailed in the street, picked up from a Taxi Rank or booked in advance.

Private Hire vehicles include most makes and models. They can only be booked in advance. The journey is not insured unless it is booked in advance.

These vehicles cannot be hailed in the street or pick up from a rank.

Lawfully operating Taxi and Private Hire vehicles in Peterborough are easily distinguished. Both types of vehicle display a plate licensed by Peterborough City Council [P.C.C.] at the rear. The plate clearly displays an individual reference number, the vehicle's registration number and the number of passengers it is licensed to carry.

The driver is required to wear a P.C.C. Identity badge. This badge displays a photograph of the driver along with his individual badge number.

In addition there is also a requirement to display a fare card within sight of the passengers, inside the vehicle. As well as displaying tariffs it also displays the vehicle's individual reference number, which corresponds with the same number on the plate displayed on the rear. Private Hire vehicles are required to display door signs showing they are for private hire.

Staying safe in taxis

If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Check that the taxi that arrives is the one you ordered. Ask for a description of the car – colour, make, etc – and check this when it arrives. If you gave your name when you booked, check that the driver can tell you it before you get in. When you get home, ask the driver to wait until you are inside.

There are many reputable mini-cab or private hire car companies, but these must be booked either at their office or by phone. In some cases the driver will carry identification. Always keep the number of a reliable firm handy. Avoid mini-cabs or private hire cars that tout for business.

Always sit behind the driver.

If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people

If in any doubt, don’t get in a taxi.

Those wishing to register a complaint concerning the driver or any aspect of the journey should contact the Taxi Enforcement Team on 01733 452352 or in writing to:

Taxi Enforcement, Chauffeur's Cottage, St. Peter's Road, Peterborough PE1 1YX

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That is the message going out in a new initiative Cambridgeshire Constabulary has joined to encourage people to safeguard their property.

Called “Immobilise” it aims to help reduce mobile phone crime and robbery. Immobilise is a secure database service that allows you to register your mobile phones, lap tops, ipods, sat navs, in-car music systems, cycles (frame numbers) or any other valuables that have a unique serial number.

Registering is free, quick and easy. Once a phone is registered, should the phone be lost or stolen, it can be reported online and the phone immobilised immediately by all service providers.

It also enables police officers to search the database for the rightful owner of any recovered property and quickly re-unite them with their property.

Ellen Muirhead, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, comments “The use of this database is an excellent tool in fighting robbery as it takes the value out of anything stolen. We would therefore encourage people to log on to the site and register their property”. Other forces using the scheme have significantly reduced the false reporting of theft and street robbery for phones.

The service is supported by amongst others The Home Office, The Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum, The Metropolitan Police, Transport For London, The National Mobile Phone Crime Unit, and almost all the major UK Police forces.

Anyone wishing to enter the details of their mobile phone, or other property, onto the database should log on to www.immobilise.com for more information.

To find your unique mobile IMEI number just enter *#06# into the phone and the number will appear.

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We've had many emails concerning dogs ranging from those allowed to run loose to fouling of footpaths and play areas. Extra bins were secured for the path from Park Farm Way to the river and PCC advise that dog owners can use any of the public bins to dispose of dog waste so long as it is bagged. Alternatively please take it home and dispose of it safely?

A dog is not allowed to bite. Not even once! So the very first time that a dog acts dangerously could end up in a Court.

Generally a dog is regarded as not being under proper control if it is neither on a lead nor muzzled.

Letters from members

There are so many owners of dogs walking along the river path, in what I class as a walk around the block, without their dogs being on a lead. On a typical evening when walking my dog, I have to stop and pick my dog up two or three times due to other peoples dogs running up to mine and sometimes jumping up at me to get at my dog that is in my arms. They smile or laugh and say "they won’t hurt you". No one knows their pet 100% and what if my dog, that is always on a lead, hurt’s theirs because he feels threatened. He is only a small dog. I feel I am a responsible dog lover, which does not want to put myself or my dog in danger from other people’s irresponsibility and sometimes rude comments. There are also a lot of parents and grandparents with their small children walking or cycling along the river path in front of our house. Surely they are also at risk.

Do the laws on cleaning up dog mess apply in Park Farm? Although the area is looking much smarter there are still some irresponsible dog owners who don't bother to clear up after their dog. Some even leave the mess on footpaths and in the childrens play area. I thought it was well known - the dangers from dog mess which can lead to blindness and other complications? Can you please advise?

I hope those idiots who see fit to smash bottles on footpaths and cycle ways feel really proud of the fact that my dog cut his paw badly today while out walking. I bet some children have also fallen foul of these idiots? Stupid! Just Stupid!

What is the Law?

Responsible Ownership

•Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 - This act applies in Park Farm.

Local authorities have the power to introduce and enforce dog fouling byelaws under which a person in charge of a dog can be heavily fined for allowing dogs to foul in a public place. This designated land may include roads, parks and other public areas within the local authority’s boundaries; in fact any land which is open to the air and to which the public are permitted to have access. An offence is committed if a person in charge of a dog fails to clean up its faeces. It is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog's actions, the law, or not to have a device available to remove the faeces. This could result in a prosecution and fine.

Dog faeces in public areas are unsightly, unsanitary and unsafe. There are several diseases which can be spread from dog waste including Giardiasis, Hookworm and Salmonellosis. Other less common diseases which can be spread from dog waste are Toxocariasis, Q Fever, Lung Fluke Disease, Leishmaniasis, dog tapeworm and broad tapeworm.

Organisms causing these diseases move from the dog waste into the environment. They can be carried by flies and other insects, wind and dust, or balls and toys that come into contact with faeces. The germs can be ingested by people and begin to grow in the body, where infection continues to spread. The entire community will benefit when dog waste is picked up and disposed of properly.

Identification

• Control of Dogs Order 1992

This requires that every dog, while in a public place, wears a collar with the name and address of his owner inscribed on it or on a disc attached to it. If a collar is not worn when out in a public place, the dog may be seized by the police and treated as a stray. Also the owner, and any person in charge of the dog permitting him to be in a public place without a collar, will each be guilty of an offence and may be prosecuted and fined.

If your dog does stray, you should immediately contact your local dog warden (through the Environmental Health Department at your local council) and the local police station. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows for your dog to be seized and sold or destroyed if unclaimed after a seven day period.

Control

• Town Police Clauses Act 1847

These Acts make it an offence to allow an unmuzzled, ferocious dog to be left at large, or for a person to set on or to urge any dog attack, worry or put in fear any person or animal in the street.

• Dogs Act 1871

Under this Act, a court may, upon complaint that a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control, order the owner to keep him under proper control or to be destroyed.

• Animals Act 1971

Under this Act a dog may be shot, without warning, by a farmer for worrying his livestock and the owner could face criminal prosecution for the same offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

• Road Traffic Act 1988

This makes it an offence to have a dog on a designated road without the dog being held on a lead.

•Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

This Act allows local authorities to designate areas of land where dogs must be kept on leads, or where dogs are excluded and also place limits on the number of dogs walked by a single person.

• Guard Dogs Act 1975

It is an offence to use or permit the use of a guard dog on any premises unless the handler, who is capable of controlling him, is present on the premises and the dog is under control. The dog must be secured so that he is not at liberty to go about the premises. A warning that a guard dog is present must be clearly exhibited at each entrance to the premises.

• Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) 1991

There are two main sections to this Act.

Section 1 applies to four specific breeds of dog including ‘the type of dog known as the pit bull terrier’. Owners of these breeds had to comply with certain legal requirements, including having their dog registered, neutered, microchipped and tattooed.

Section 3 applies to all dogs, making it a criminal offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place. This includes instances where there is fear that an injury might occur.

Owners found guilty under either section of the Act could have their dog destroyed, face the possibility of six months in prison and/or a fine not exceeding level 5 (at present up to £5,000).

Protection of Animals

There are several Acts on the Statute Book which protect dogs from ill treatment, among them are the following:

• The Protection of Animals Act 1911

This makes it an offence to cruelly beat, kick, ill treat, torture, infuriate or terrify any animal. It is also an offence by action or omission to cause unnecessary suffering, or, being the owner, permit any unnecessary suffering to be caused to the animal. This Act was amended to allow an owner to be banned from keeping a dog either for life or for such a period as the court thinks fit.

• Abandonment of Animals Act 1960

This Act extends the definition of cruelty to include abandonment of an animal.

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Please be aware that there has been an increase in the theft of pedal cycles across the sector. Cycles are being stolen while on the street and from garden sheds and garages. Post code your cycle and make a note of the make, model and serial number.

This will make it much easier for it to be identified if it does go missing. When you leave your cycle use a good strong lock. Lock it to something permanent such as a telegraph pole or properly anchored cycle racks. When leaving your cycle in the garage or shed, again lock it up, and ensure the garage or shed is locked too. It makes it far harder for an offender to take.

Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch offer a free Bicycle Marking Service. Please contact your street coordinator, click here or call 07939 664788 to arrange an appointment.

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Considering the rain and gales the turnout was better than expected. In total we managed to security mark nearly 50 items including 20 Mobile Phones, 17 Bicycles and all sorts of other items including i-pods, PSP's, Camcorders and even a Car Radio. Two parties enquired about membership, full house security marking and fire safety checks which we aim to follow up shortly.

The aim of the day was not only to security mark property in Park Farm and Stanground but also to raise more money for the replacement of equipment damaged by vandals at Easter for Heritage Park Primary School through voluntary contributions. £21.00 was raised on the day and will be given to the school next week.

Thank you to all those who gave their support especially the team of volunteers manning the roadshow, PCC, Peterborough Police, EDF Energy, The ET, Lite FM, Hereward Radio and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire for their time and efforts and to those who attended and contributed to this very worthy cause.

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When somebody turns up on your doorstep asking for money or help, they're often not who they say they are.

It's a common scenario: somebody knocks on your door and tells you their car has broken down, and could you loan them some cash? They promise to pay you back - they'll just drop the money through your mail slot.

The only problem? It's a scam.

Variations on the theme

There are dozens of scams like this in operation at any given time. There's the 'ran out of petrol and left my wallet at home' scam.

The 'my mother's sick and I need money for a cab' scam. The list is as endless as the human imagination. Scamsters can be endlessly creative. Pushing their cars up the street, for example, and stopping passers-by asking for cash for petrol. Then getting in their perfectly working cars and driving away.

Distraction thefts

The more dangerous and complex scams involve people pretending to be from utilities companies and asking for access to homes. There are around 12,000 reported incidents of 'distraction burglary' every year - when callers get into a person's home through false pretenses, and then steal cash or valuables while the home-owner is distracted.

They often work in pairs - with one person distracting the resident while the other is rifling through their belongings.

Be cautious

When a stranger rings your bell, be cautious. Don't let anybody in unless you are expecting them. Representatives of the water, gas and electric companies rarely make house calls without appointments. If there is a real gas or water emergency, police and firefighters are likely to be present.

There are some simple precautions you can take to help ensure you don't become a victim:

• Talk to people through the door, rather than opening it when they knock.
• Ask who they are before opening the door, then keep the door on the chain until you've seen their identification.
• Make sure your back door is closed and locked before answering your front door - thieves have been known to work in pairs, with one entering through the back while the other knocks on the front door.
• Ask for identification. If anybody comes to your door for legitimate purposes, they will have an I.D. card from the organisation they represent. Before you even speak to them, ask to see it, and keep the door on the chain while you look it over.
• If you need glasses in order to read the card, close and lock the door before going to get them. Never leave the door open and unattended.

Lock, Stop, Chain, Check

To learn more, contact your local council, social services office or Age Concern centre. They can advise you on installing door viewers, chains and personal alarms, all of which can make you safer when a stranger calls.

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Police in Peterborough are reminding residents to keep their shed safe this summer. The warning comes as part of the Safer Summer campaign - which this year is again focusing on home and personal security, from keeping your house secure to stopping your shed or garage from becoming a target and how to avoid becoming the victim of burglary.

Philip Mylchreest, crime reduction officer said: "Garden sheds and garages are often undervalued -we use them to store a huge range of things such as garden equipment, pedal cycles, motor cycles, power tools and many other items often difficult or expensive to replace.

"Add up the replacement cost of all your stored property and you will be amazed - yet sheds and garages are still often poorly protected, when simple measures could help prevent the theft of your property."

Advice from the community safety department at Bridge Street Police Station includes:

When not using the shed or garage, keep it locked. Many thefts are committed by the "walk-in" thief who will take just a few seconds to help himself to your property.

Consider fitting a security light, both for your convenience and to alert you to any trespasser. Battery powered alarms, or an extension to the house alarm, could be fitted to the shed or garage.

Use a cable or chain to lock various items together. A bike is hard to steal if it is connected to a wheel barrow and a lawn mower.

Use some form of security marking to put your postcode and house number on your property.

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Summer is here and the vast majority of you will be going off on your holidays or leaving your homes insecure due to the hot weather.

We have had an increase of 'walk in' burglaries in the area so I have gathered some information to remind you how to keep your home secure. Please read through and pass to your neighbours.

FACT - Most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves.

FACT - In two out of ten burglaries they don’t even have to use force – they get in through an open door or window.

Look at your home through the burglar’s eyes – are there places where they could break in unseen?

Have you fitted strong locks on your doors and windows?

Would they have to make a lot of noise by breaking glass?

Reduce the risk of burglary happening to you by making sure you’ve taken these simple precautions.

For a relatively small outlay you could make your home more secure and buy peace of mind into the bargain.

FACT -Most burglaries happen when a house or flat is empty, so:

Use time switches – available from DIY shops – to turn on lights, radios and other appliances when you’re out.

Don’t tempt the thief – keep all valuable items out of sight. Don’t advertise your absence when you’re on holiday, or even when out at work or shopping. Most burglars will only tackle an empty house. If you can, get a friend or neighbour to look after your home when you’re away, by collecting your post, drawing your curtains at night and generally making the place look lived in. And be prepared to do the same for them.

Often full of expensive tools ideal for breaking into the rest of the house – and often left unlocked.

Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house – a thief could get in and work on the inner door in privacy.

Fit shed and garage doors with a strong padlock and make sure that they are solid enough not to be kicked in.

Lock ladders inside the garage or shed to stop a thief using them to reach inaccessible windows. If there is no room inside, chain or padlock them horizontally to a sturdy bracket on an outside wall.

Check for weak spots where a thief could get in – a low or sagging fence, or a back gate with weak lock. A thorny hedge along the boundary can act as a deterrent. But make sure that the front of the house is still visible to passers-by so that a burglar can’t work unseen.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police.

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