STAY SECURE THIS SPRING


WITH the clocks going forward and the warmer weather upon us, Hertfordshire Constabulary is reminding residents to make sure they continue to protect their property and stay safe across the county.

Home, garden, and vehicle crime can all increase during the spring and summer months, so it is important people take the steps to keep criminals at bay.

“As the weather is improving, it's only natural that people will open their windows, leave the shed unlocked while they do the gardening, and open their sun roof when their driving. But they must remember to close them all when they leave,” said Dave Mance, County Crime Reduction Officer.

Dave continued: “Thieves are by and large opportunists so it makes sense not to present them with 'gift-wrapped' opportunities. Register your valuables and mobile phones on the free online database www.immobilise.com – it could help police return them to you if they are lost or stolen.

“Crime prevention needs to become part of your daily routine, and by taking simple measures to protect your belongings you can help keep Hertfordshire one of the safest counties in the country.”

Keeping your home safe this spring:

• Remember to lock your windows and doors before you leave and when you go to bed

• If you have a UPVC door, ensure you lift the handle, turn the key and lock it. By just lifting the handle, the door is not locked properly and could be an open invitation for thieves

• Consider installing alarms and ‘dusk until dawn' security lighting

• Don't leave ladders and tools outside (burglars could use them to help break in)

Keeping your garden safe this spring:

• Remember to secure your shed properly by using a strong padlock as the bare minimum
• Keep garden fences in good repair and consider having trellising on the top to discourage anyone climbing over
• Make sure that you have a strong garden gate and always lock it
• Roses, a thorny hedge and spiky plants can act as green-leafed deterrents to stop would-be intruders climbing walls or fences
• Keep hedges, trees and shrubs in your front garden below windowsill height to stop the burglar having a screen to work behind
• Use additional locks (and alarms where possible) for garages, shed doors and outside storage areas, especially if you use them to store valuable equipment such as golf clubs or fishing gear


Keep your vehicle safe this spring

• Remember to close your windows and sunroof when leaving your vehicle
• If you are visiting a beauty spot, do not forget to take your Sat Nav and the cradle with you. It is also important to wipe away the suction mark as well, so opportunist thieves do not break into your vehicle looking for the device
• Put your aerial down to stop it being vandalised
• Remove your stereo or CD player if you can
• If you can't remove your stereo or CD player, mark it with your registration number or use your postcode followed by your house number using a UV pen and register it on the free online database www.immobilise.com
• Any other valuables you take into your car regularly should be marked in the same way
• Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle, even if they are out of sight, take them with you.
• Even leaving an empty bag on display can be a temptation - a thief may think it contains something valuable
• Use an approved steering lock or gear clamp
• Set your immobiliser and alarm if you have one fitted. If you do not have an immobiliser, consider having one fitted

For further advice please visit www.herts.police.uk or call 0845 33 00 222 and ask for your local crime prevention officer.