Your Boundaries

It is always difficult to give advice without visiting the site, as most often the remedies are site specific. Before we go further, it should be pointed out that Bedfordshire Police are not permitted to recommend or endorse products, services or suppliers.

However, there will be circumstances where perhaps there is only one manufacturer or supplier of a particular product and it is unreasonable to tell somebody about a product that could solve their problem but refuse to tell them where to get it from. Where possible, we will provide a couple of sources that you can investigate for yourself.
Those companies and products mentioned in this document are used because they are locally available, represent value for money as well as good practice and have, to date, generated no negative reports in our experience.

Burglar Alarms

Alarms come in various forms and the homeowner’s requirements will depend on factors such as how remote their home is and how responsive the neighbours would be to an alarm activation.
Alarm companies such as ADT and (locally) ACE are reputable and have reputations for not trying to sell you a product or additional services you don't need.

These, and many other alarm companies, can provide a monitoring and police reporting service as well as service and maintenance. All of this does, of course, cost money and, should the homeowner decide to have such a system fitted, they would be well advised to have two or three quotes for both price and service comparison.
Trading Standards may also have a list of reputable traders and can be contacted on 01234 228280 or view their listings at www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/tsapproved.

Alarm companies can also be registered with the National Security Inspectorate. You can check if a firm is registered by visiting www.nsi.org.uk.

There are also many DIY systems that can be fitted by a reasonably competent person and not requiring an in depth electrical knowledge. There are also a number of battery-operated, wirefree, systems on the market.

These are an economical option and whilst there is not the services of a monitoring company, some such systems will contact telephone points - including mobiles - of choice (eg, the Yale wire free alarm kit, currently available from Homebase at £249, which will contact up to 6 phone numbers; Micromark do various similar systems starting from around £80 to £250).

Most DIY stores supply alarms, as do the Argos and Littlewoods catalogues. Look for the British Standards Kite mark BS6707.
Another DIY alarm manufacturer is Micromark (who also make home CCTV cameras). It is worth looking at their web sites: www.micromark.co.uk. You can also look at: www.yale.co.uk

CCTV System

CCTV often unrealistically raises expectations and it is important that you realise the limitations of any camera. At its best, for example town centre CCTV, an operator can focus and zoom in or out to obtain the best 'product' image. Realistically the type of camera you attach to your home will be of a fixed focal length and so the positioning of the camera, to obtain best possible facial recognition, is the priority.
Systems can be plugged straight into the TV or VCR without expert knowledge and, as most have integral PIR sensors, will switch on your TV or VCR from standby mode, if activated or switch channels automatically so that you are immediately made aware of a 'visitor'.
You should consider the amount of time you can cover on a tape. Most domestic VCRs, with long play mode, can record for 8 hours but continuous recording will wear the heads and you might consider a more robust machine. Generally a domestic model will suffice, especially as you can replace them for around £30-£40 these days. Check your tapes regularly and change them before the recorded product deteriorates too far. If possible digital systems that record to a hard drive tend make better quality recordings.

There are restrictions on what and where you can record and there are implications under the Data Protection Act to name but one. There are exceptions for Crime Reduction and Personal Safety purposes, particularly in domestic applications. Care should be taken not to intrude onto adjacent properties and any recorded material should not be readily available or viewed to a wider audience as entertainment. Indeed, in the event that an offence is recorded, the integrity of the evidence can be best preserved by the restriction of viewing to the owner (yourself) and any investigating body, ie, the police.
Cameras are available from most DIY stores, catalogues and on the Internet.

Burglars often look for signs of occupation such as a build up of mail, the bin left out and or no vehicle in the driveway, before they attempt a burglary


• Be careful who you tell - It is reasonable to tell a trusted neighbour when you are going on holiday, but be cautious who else you tell about your departure. If you have children, be careful who they tell at school or while playing.
  
• Are there signs of life? - Electrical timers could be used to switch on lights, televisions or radio at various intervals. This will give the appearance that someone is home, and deter burglars.
  
• Your mail - A burglar can tell if you’re home by the build up of mail and newspapers. Royal Mail offers a Keepsafe service, and hold your mail tell you are back from holiday (for a small charge). You can also let a trusted neighbour collect your mail and newspapers.
  
• Is your house secure? - Double check sheds, window, garage doors and patio doors. An opportunist burglar may exploit any insecurities.
  
• Are your property details recorded? - You may consider keeping a photo or video record of your property, or registering items your items on Immobilise (more info in property marking). This will be useful in reporting items if they do go missing, and getting them returned to you.
  
• Does your phone give you away? - An unanswered phone may give away/indicate that you aren't at home, so turn the ringer off. Definitely don't broadcast that you’re away on an answer machine message.
  
• What else can a trusted neighbour do? - Asking your neighbour to put out your bin, or occasionally parking on your drive will give it a more lived in appearance.
  
• Security lighting - Motion sensitive security lighting, which comes on when someone approaches the property, may give the impression someone is at home. It also highlights movements to neighbours.
  
• Be careful what you show - Don't have your home address showing on your luggage for the outward journey. Put this only on the inside of your cases.
  
• …And finally - Before you go its worth taking a few minutes on the doorstep, and just consider if everything is secure, and you have everything you need.
  
  
  

Everyone wants to protect their home from the threat of burglary as best as they can. To this end many people install burglar alarms, CCTV and security lighting. However, when using this equipment it pays to be considerate of your neighbours. For example, when installing security lighting, consider how bright the light is and where it is shining. Will it be shining into your neighbours home and keeping them awake? Security lights which use infra red sensors and come on only when movement is detected are recommended (provided this does not constantly switch on and off due to wildlife or pets passing). If you already have existing outside lighting you can buy sensors separately to convert them to into a security light.

If you live in a terraced house or block of flats, you may be able to discuss security lighting with your neighbours and share the cost, and the benefits. Burglar alarms can also cause a nuisance for your neighbours. Make sure you use your alarm responsibly and try to ensure that it does not go off unnecessarily. A common complaint from neighbours about noise nuisance is burglar alarms sounding at night. Furthermore if your alarm goes off all the time then people will take less notice of it if it goes off for real, as they will think it's another false alarm. It may be an idea to ask your neighbour to be a key holder for your alarm, if you trust them. Otherwise do your best to make sure the alarm only goes off in a real emergency, and apologise to neighbours if you do set it off in the middle of the night.

With CCTV you should remember to respect your neighbour’s privacy. Make sure that cameras are not pointing on to their property or into their home. If you have a motion detector camera, then check the range, to make sure it will not focus in on your neighbours home. As with security lighting, CCTV is something that you and your neighbours can set up jointly, especially if you have a shared entrance.

Top ten neighbourly tips

• Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home if you are going away, and offer to do the same for them
  
• If you trust your neighbour, give them a key while you are on holiday so they can come in and draw the curtains for you, collect
  your post and perhaps even turn lights on and off. This will make your house look lived in and will make it less of a target for
  burglars – you can then do the same for your neighbour when they are away
  
• Ask your neighbour to push your post through the door while you are away
  
• Arrange for someone from your local police station to give a talk to elderly residents
  
• Use your security equipment (CCTV, burglar and car alarms, security lighting etc.) responsibly so you do not disturb or infringe
  upon your neighbour
  
• Keep an eye out for your elderly neighbours who are more at risk from Bogus Callers
  
• Make an effort to get to know your neighbours – starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme is a good way to do this
  
• If you see someone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, contact the local police
  
• If you witness a crime or know any information that may help the police then call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111
  
• Offer to do a good deed to your neighbour on good neighbour day in June.What to do if your Neighbours alarm goes off
• What do I do if my neighbours

• Did the alarm go off during a power cut (some do if the back-up battery has failed)
  
• Observe if the lights are normal and if any vehicles are parked where they are normally parked
  
• If you see “crime in progress”, e.g. a burglar climbing out of a window dial 999 immediately.
  
• Take registration number of any unfamiliar vehicle
  
• If you see something suspicious (i.e. it doesn’t look right) call 841212 to get police attention
  
• Residents should never be afraid to call the police
  
• If possible neighbours should check round the property without putting themselves in danger.
  
• If everything looks normal find a keyholder to silence the alarm and reset it
  
• If there is no keyholder available then most alarms will stop after 20 mins.
  
• Leave a note or e-mail to tell the householder what happened & when
  
• If you are in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme the Street Co-ordinator should be informed of the outcome

Alarms linked to personal distress alarms

An alarm may incorporate a distress alarm- a person can activate it in emergency e.g. a fall.
If one of these goes off, immediate action is required by a keyholder: phone-call, or visit to ring the bell, followed by entering with the keys (if previously agreed).

If you have an alarm your neighbours need to know:

• Your contact details (phone/mobile/work numbers).
  
• The names of the keyholders and their phone/mobile numbers .
  
• If the alarm is linked to a personal distress alarm or to a monitoring centre.
  
• Any instructions if the alarm goes off e.g. call your mobile, call the Police
  
• If the alarm resets automatically or must it be reset manually

Householders should tell their neighbours when they are going away and if anyone is likely to visit the property (relatives, workmen, gardener)

Free Property Marking Kit

To receive your free property marking kit contact the community safety department on 01234 275288 or email Ringmaster@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk

Smart Water

One way is to use Smartwater to invisibly mark your property using forensic technology to help protect your assets and valuables.

• Each SmartWater system contains a unique DNA-style forensic code that is simply dabbed into the nooks and crannies of your property. Each code is stored on a secure database, together with the owner’s details, making them uniquely identifiable.
  
• Once dry, it is virtually impossible to remove and any traces will glow under UV light.
  
• It can also mark the skin and clothing of a person, and an offender can be linked to a crime if SmartWater is found on them.
• Signs declaring SmartWater is used in your area, may deter criminals.

SmartWater irrefutably links criminals to the crime scene and property back to its owner.

Mark your belongings with your postcode

Marking your belongings may put burglars off, as it will make the belongings harder to sell, and can help the police investigate crimes and prosecute criminals.

You can replace some items easily, but marking your property can also help the police to return irreplaceable items if they are found. Items should be visibly and permanently marked showing your postcode and the number of your house or flat or the first two letters of its name. Only use an ultraviolet marker pen when other methods would reduce the value of the object, because the mark isn’t visible and so might not put burglars off or make it more difficult for them to sell the marked item. The marks can also fade. Take pictures of all valuables like jewellery and silverware and write down the makes, models and serial numbers of your TV, video, DVD, stereo, i-pod, laptop, CD player, home computer, camera equipment and so on. This will help the police identify them if they are stolen. You may want to consider keeping valuable items, such as jewellery, in a safe.

Ask your local police station for advice on how to get stickers to display in the front and back windows of your home to show that you have marked your belongings.

New belongings

Don’t leave empty boxes outside your home – they can give away details of new and valuable equipment, which may be attractive to burglars.

Don’t buy crime

Never buy property that you think might be stolen, no matter how tempting the bargain.

• You will be dealing in someone else’s misery.
  
• The money you pay is likely to be used to buy drugs.
  
• It’s a crime, punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

View the property marking guide.

• When taking into security considerations, make sure your doors are secure. An insecure door means an insecure home.
  
• Fit your all your exterior doors with bolts at top and bottom. Make sure the bolts are of high quality with strong screws and can withstand being forced. Remember to engage them.
  
• Doors frames should be strong and in good condition. Doors should be of a solid core construction and be at least 44mm (1 1/3 inches) thick.
  
• Patio doors can be especially vulnerable so get specialist advice when considering security for your patio door.
  
• Local locksmiths who are a member of the 'Master Locksmith Association' will be make sure your locks are of a high quality.
  
• Fit your front and back doors with five-lever mortice deadlocks and use then - securedbydesign approved traders.
  
• If you are buying a new door make sure it is constructed to Product Assessment Specifications (PAS) 024. This ensures your doors are designed with security in mind - securedbydesign approved traders.
  

Door Locks and Furniture

Rim Latch - Most front doors are fitted with a rim latch which locks automatically when the door is closed but can be opened from the inside without a key.

Hinges - Check that the door hinges are sturdy and secured with strong long screws.

Hinge Bolt - For added security fit hinge bolts. These are inexpensive and help to reinforce the hinge side of a door against the use of force.

Door Viewers - Enable you to identify callers before opening the door.

Letter cage - Fit a letter cage to stop someone reaching inside to open your night latch lock.

Automatic Deadlocks - This locks automatically when the door is closed, but when locked externally with a key, cannot be opened from the inside.

Fit key-operated window locks to all downstairs windows, those which can't be seen from the street, and easily accessible upstairs windows. For example those above a flat roof or by a drainpipe.
Even small windows such as skylights or bathroom fanlights need locks - a thief can get through any gap larger than the human head.

Remember to remove keys from locked windows and to keep them out of sight in a safe place.

Louvre windows are especially vulnerable because the slats can be removed easily from the frame. Glue the slats in place with epoxy resin, and fit a special louvre lock. Better still replace them with fixed glass.

If you are replacing windows - consider laminated glass. This glass has a layer of vinyl between two sheets of glass making it difficult to break.

As a last resort, consider fitting security grilles to vulnerable windows - many DIY shops now sell decorative wrought iron grilles.

If you are having new windows fitted make sure they are constructed to the recognised British Standard BS7950/7412 (securedbydesign approved traders). This standard ensures that your windows are designed with security in mind. Ask your window company if their products comply.

Sliding doors could be lifted of the runner and double opening doors would pull open if the bolts weren’t properly applied or if the glass was broken in order to reach in and unlock them.

Newer doors have more sophisticated locks which engage hooks to prevent lifting or a combination of flush bolts and undercut rollers to prevent double doors (often referred to as French windows) being forced open. Usually it’s just a case of applying the locks that are fitted.

If you have any concerns about your Patio doors there are a number of additional locks which can be purchased from your local DIY store:

Sliding Patio Doors

The most effective additional lock for a sliding patio door is the Patio Door push bolt.

French Windows

The flush bolt should be fitted on wooden doors, on the leading edge of the anchor door.

Another option is the security bolt. Surface mounted bolts are perfectly adequate where there is no glass in close proximity or, if there is, it is toughened and/or double-glazed.

Locks Available

Mortice Deadlock

Universal Pressbolt

To reduce the risk of lead being stolen from your roof, please consider the following crime reduction measures:

• Ensure any tools, ladders or potential climbing aids are securely stored, particularly if repair or renovation work is in progress.
  
• Consider alternative materials to lead or copper.
  Lead can be coated with anti-climb paint. The paint does not degrade the lead but will make it very messy and difficult for a thief to remove. The paint is non-drying and marks clothing and skin, often helping the police to identify offenders.
• Forensic marking will help to identify stolen metal and enable the police to trace it back to the rightful owner. It has also resulted in the successful conviction of thieves. There are a number of forensic marking products available such as SmartWater, Smart Grease, Red Web and SelectaDNA.
  
• Check your roof regularly. The earlier you report a theft the more chance there is of finding the stolen metal – particularly if it is marked. Regularly check the perimeter security. Limit access, particularly for vehicles, but maintain the natural surveillance provided by neighbouring premises.
• Consider security lighting, CCTV and roof / drive alarms.
  
• For further information contact Bedfordshire Police Crime Reduction Officers on 01234 275273 for North Bedfordshire or 01582 473178 or for Mid and South Bedfordshire.
• PDF Format of the above advice - (92kb, Adobe Acrobat format)
• Signing up to our RINGMASTER system will alert you to current metal thefts in your area or affecting businesses.
  

Alternative Products

It is worth considering replacing lead sheeting with Rubberbond EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). More information about this product can be found at www.rubberbond.co.uk and there are a number of certified installers in the area.

Good security will reduce the chance of your home being burgled. But, in case the worst happens, think now about how you would deal with the situation. If you’re in the house and you hear a burglar, how you react will be a personal choice and might depend on the situation – for example, whether you’re alone. You could make a noise and hope it scares the burglar off, or you might prefer to keep quiet and hope the burglar doesn’t come into the room you’re in. Many people now have a phone in their bedroom. But even if you do, take your mobile to bed with you. If someone breaks in, you can use it to call the police even if they’ve disconnected your normal phone.

Police investigators will attend all house burglars, to get and understanding of what has happened and to determine if there is anything that can help catch the offender.

If you get home and notice signs of a break-in:

• Don’t go in or shout as the burglar could still be inside;
  
• Go to a neighbour’s to call the police – if you think the burglar is
  still inside, let the police know; and
  
• Don’t touch anything, if you have a urge to tidy up. You could destroy valuable evidence.