What is Neighbourhood Watch?
Neighbourhood Watch is a community-led initiative supported by the police. It aims to reduce the opportunity for crime and improve community safety by the reporting of suspicious incidents to the police and to each other.
Research has shown that areas where Neighbourhood Watch is operating are less likely to be targeted by burglars.
For more information, see our Neighbourhood Watch pages on this web site.
Callers At The Door. Friend or Foe?
- If you don't know who is at the door ask, 'Who are you?'
- Use the door chain.
- Check the caller's card. Never be afraid to confirm details via a phone call. Most utility services offer a password scheme and a phone number which you can ring to check the identity of callers.
- If in doubt, shut your door.
- Ring 999 to contact the police.
- Be wary of anyone calling at your door offering to do repairs or gardening. If they claim you need work done, ring a reputable company. Never allow them in your home or garden.
On Holiday, Or Away From Home?
To reduce the risk of a burglary while you are on holiday make sure you:
- Cancel the milk and papers
- Hide valuable items
- Property mark your valuables
- Lock your garage/tools
- Make arrangements for your post
- Lock all doors and windows
- Tell a neighbour/friend
- Cut the lawns
- Set timer switches on lights and/or radio.
On your journey avoid displaying your name and address on your luggage. Put your address inside the case to help identification if the luggage is lost.
Mark Your Property
Mark any valuable items, i.e. TV or video, with your postcode followed by the house number or first two letters of the house name. If they are stolen and later found, the police can identify them and return them to you. Use a permanent etching tool or an ultra violet property marking pen and repeat this every six months.
Remember to also keep a record of serial numbers and a description of items. If possible, photograph valuable items such as jewellery, antiques and paintings.
