Community safety - crime prevention

Gloucester City Council & Gloucester City Homes are both members of the Gloucester Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership whose aims are to reduce crime and the fear of crime. For further information please see www.gloscrimereduction.org.uk| or telephone 01452 396984. 

Top tips to preventing crime in your home - these simple precautions are easy to do and don't cost much money:

1. Marking your electrical goods - for about £1 you can buy an ultra-violet marker pen that you can use to write your postcode on your electrical goods. Be wary and keep an eye open for marked property offered for sale at the pub or car boot sales, and if you suspect anyone is trading in stolen goods report it to the police. If you don't want to identify yourself when reporting an incident or sighting, simply call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

2. Window locks - if you have window locks, make sure you use them. If you don't have them, fit them – they aren't expensive and they are fairly easy to fit. 

3. The spare key – don’t leave it in a plant pot or inside the letterbox. Instead, why not give it to a trusted neighbour? 

4. Valuables – make an inventory: write down a list of your valuables and photograph items of jewellery, antiques and other items that may be difficult to describe. If the worst does happen, it will help the police and make an insurance claim much easier. Also:

5. Cash - don’t keep large amounts of cash at home.

6. Personal information - if you throw away credit card receipts and bills, make sure you rip them up or better still shred them so they are unreadable.

7. Computer records - always back up home computer records on disk and store them safely in case the computer is stolen. 

Keep safe from bogus callers

You can't always be sure that people turning up on your doorstep are who they say they are. Most people who call at your home will be genuine.

But sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into the home. They are known as ‘distraction burglars’ or ‘bogus callers’, whose only aim is to get into homes to distract people and steal their money or valuables. You should always be aware when someone you don’t know calls at your door.

Remember: bogus callers can be very convincing and persuasive.

You can reduce your chances of being a victim to bogus callers by doing the following:

• fit a door chain and / or viewer (special ones are available for people with deteriorating eyesight).
• before opening the door chain it and always lock the back door before answering the front door (some burglars try to get your attention at the front whilst their accomplice gains entry at the back).
• check the caller’s identity, for example ask to see their ID card.
• make a note of your customer number or repair number from your correspondence. Ask your caller for this number to see if they know it or for your special password if you have agreed one with the organisation the callers claims to represent.
• if unsure either contact us or call the Bogus Callers Helpline 0808 1000 777.
• if you’re still not sure don’t let them in. Tell them they will have to go away and get their organisation to make an appointment. If they’re genuine – they won’t mind.
• remember to take the chain of your door when you lock it again. Your family, friends or emergency services would not be able to get in easily if there is an emergency if you leave the chain, when the door is locked!
   

Contact information

 

Contact information

		In an emergency call 999
		In a non-emergency call 0845 090 1234
		To contact Neighbourhood Watch phone 0808 1000 777
		To contact Crimestoppers phone 0800 555 111 Your call is free, you do not have to give your name and you may receive a reward.