Homeless persons: Homelessness is not an easy issue to tackle and is something that has been an issue for several months, the Croft Baker team have made it a priority so that they can aim to provide the best possible service to every call regarding this issue. On the flip side to this, we are doing our best to have these people re-homed and working with the relevant agencies on this matter.

We have some new faces on our streets, please continue to report any sightings of people sleeping on the streets, so we can engage with them to ensure that their welfare is cared for and to allow us to engage with them to get them off the streets and into a place of safety.

Dwelling Burglaries: Croft Baker Ward has had a reduction in dwelling Burglaries over the past three months,  we have had a number of burglaries reported to us, we urge you to remain vigilant and make sure you keep your house secure whether you are at home or away from home.

We also have had an increase in shed burglaries where high value cycles have been stolen.

Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures. Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference.

Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglary.

Here are a few tips:

• Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key)
• Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox)
• Install a visual burglar alarm (as part of a suite of prevention measures - a burglar alarm on its own will not prevent entry to your home)
• Install good outside lighting.
• Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.
• Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied.
• Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition.
• Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immovable object inside a locked shed or garage.
• Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
• Ensure rear fencing is in good repair
• Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges
• Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your property for free with immobilise.
• Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
• Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows
• Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault

 
Doors and Windows

In most burglaries, the criminals broke into the house or flat through the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. So make sure your doors are strong and secure. Consider fitting a bar for extra strength; a locksmith can advise you on how best to do it.
Glass panels on doors are particularly vulnerable. If you have one on your door you could replace it with laminated glass, which is stronger. You can also buy a film in a DIY store that you can stick over the glass to make it harder to break.
 
Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit most kinds of windows. Fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and those upstairs that are easy to reach.

Distraction Burglary

If you're not sure who is at your door, don't open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are claiming to be from i.e. gas, electricity, water and police. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider - Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller - they may be bogus. The 'Waterboard' no longer exists, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.

Going away on holiday

Make your home look like someone is living in it:

• Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark
• Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries
• Use the Royal Mail's 'keepsafe' service - they keep your mail for up to 2 months while you're away. Mail sitting on your doorstep is a sign that you are away
• Trusted neighbours may be able to help you by collecting your post, opening and closing curtains and they could park their car on your driveway
• Avoid discussing holiday plans on public social networking sites - burglars can use any information you post on there to their advantage 

A GOOD website to look at is Police.uk and especially the ‘Crime Map’ as this will give you information about individual crimes near your postcode. 

Finally - if you see or hear anything suspiciously please report it on 101/999 or send us an email on the GET IN TOUCH link below.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can provide the information via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

We wish you a happy Christmas, from the Croft Baker Team