If any tenant is a victim of crime, such as homophobic crime, racist crime, or general crime, they should contact the Police, but also advise the Council of the problem.
It is likely that if a crime is perpetrated against a tenant whilst in their home, or whilst in the vicinity of their home, the person commiting the crime may be in breach of their Conditions of Tenancy and it may be possible to either ensure that they do not repeat their actions or potentially that they could be evicted.
Another major crime is burglary. Most burglars are not master criminals. They're usually young men looking for an easy opportunity to get into a house without being seen.
Once they have got in and got away with it, they may be back again unless you do something. And there's lots you can do. Don't rely on one or two precuations. Here is a list of things that will help you beat the burglar!
Outside - Your First Line of Defence
1. Walls and Fences
High fences are hard to climb, but they give a burglar cover once he's over. So keep them low. The best fences have a trellis on top - they're a beggar to climb.
2. Lighting
Get an outdoor light with a sensor that comes on when someone is around.
Is Anybody Home?
1. Lights
You can get plug-in timers for your lamps - and timers for your ceiling lights. Don't just light up the hall. Fool a burglar by lighting up the landing, bathroom, bedroom and living room too. Really fox him by varying the times each light comes on.
2. Sound Advice
Use a plug-in timer for a radio - make it a talk station rather than music. Radio 4 is good - it lasts all night. Make sure the noise is not so loud that it disturbs your neighbours.
3. Curtains
Get a trusted neighbour to shut the curtains if you're away. You could return the favour some time!
Get Equipped
The Council uses 'secure by design' products such as the new multi-point locks that provide a very high level of security and are fitted in a large number of properties.
Please contact the Housing Department if you want to know more about the security features that have been bult in to your home.
1. Keys
Keep spares with a relative, friend or trusted neighbour - not in the house. And never leave keys in the door or hidden near the doorstep.
2. Dogs
Don't rely just on your dog to protect your home. Council tenants need permission to have dogs in certain types of property.
3. House alarms
When alarms sound, most burglars grab what they can and run for it. Again, please refer to the Housing Department for permission if you are considering a burglar alarm. It should also be professionally fitted.
Keep Them Out
1. Doorstep Crooks
Some criminals won't go to the trouble of breaking into your home if they can just knock and be invited in. But don't get it out of proportion - you've probably had many genuine callers at your front door and not one trickster.
Bogus callers come in all shapes & sizes: young kids, pregnant women, and men - from the overalled to the uniformed or suited.
2. Bogus Officials
Water board officials never need to come into your home to test water pressure or repair leaks - even in emergencies. If they ever do need to get in they must send you a letter first making an appointment. Gas and Electricity meter readers want you to check their identity before you let them in. If in doubt, ring up and check. Keep the phone numbers handy. Shut the door while you are checking - genuine callers don't mind! You could always join the password scheme so the meter reader gives you an arranged password when they call.
All council officers carry identity cards and are quite used to being challenged - if in doubt, check it out!
3. Look Before You Open
Always look to see who is at the door before you open.
4. Door Viewer
If your door doesn't have glass, get into the habit of looking through a window near the door to see who is calling. The Council may also be able to fit a spy-hole to your door.
5. Door Light
An outside light over the door will help you see a caller in the dark. Again, please refer to the Housing Department.
6. Door Chain
If you need to open the door to make further checks, use a door chain or similar device.
Remember...
- Don't let people in unless you know who they are.
- Keep the door locked while you check their story.
- If you let someone in, stay with them at all times.
- Never part with money or other things, whatever they say.
- If suspicious - ring the Police.
- Get more than one estimate for work (we do this for you for Council approved work).
- Official organisations usually write first.
- Check identity cards thoroughly.
- Don't let callers put pressure on you to let them in;
- If in doubt - Keep Them Out!
Coded for Keeps
1. Ultra-violet Marking
UV marker pens cost about £1 from stationers and security shops. Use them to put your postcode and house number in invisible ink on the bottom of your valuables. If your things are found, the police can read your details under UV light and get things back to you. Redo this every year, as the writing fades.
2. Photographs
For small items like jewellery, photograph them against a ruler. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Gardens and Sheds
1. Shed Security
Remember to postcode anything of value in your shed. Your lawn mower will be harder for the burglar to sell on with your house number and postcode painted across it.
2. Padlocks
A good quality padlock - and the hasp and staple that go with it - is important on all sheds and garage side-doors. It's best to bolt the hasp and staple to the door and frame for extra strength.
3. Screw Heads
Smear glue over the heads of screws or use anti-tamper ones.
4. Bicycles
Lock bikes to something fixed or bulky like a ladder or workbench.
5. Garden Tools
Don't leave them lying around the garden, a burglar could use them to break in.
Home Watch
Protecting your home is fine, but you will enjoy greater security and peace of mind if everyone around is working with you. An ethusiastic home watch scheme will deter burglars. Contact your local police station for help setting one up.
Remember...
Prevention is better than cure
If you have any concerns about the security of your Council owned or leasehold home or simply want to know more, please contact us.
We hope this information has been useful. If you require it in another language or format such as audio or large print, please contact us as follows:
Housing Landlord Services
Bournemouth Borough Council
Unit 4
Dalling Road
Poole
BH12 1DJ
Tel 01202-458331
Minicom: 01202 454728
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