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It is 11:39 am on the 4th February 2012

Security for your home

Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled. Some basic tips are listed in this section. Many of them are common sense, but they could make all the difference to the safety of your home.

Tips for home security

  • When you go out always lock your doors and close your windows; even if it’s just for a short amount of time and you consider your neighbourhood to be a fairly safe area.
  • Have locks fitted on your windows. A burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
  • Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed, and put keys out of sight in the house.
  • Use timers for things like lights and the radio if you are going away, to help to create the impression that someone is at home.
  • Have a visible burglar alarm, good lighting and carefully directed security lighting, which can all help to put burglars off.
  • Fit a ‘spy hole’ to let you see who is at the door and a door chain so that you can open the door a little way to talk to people. Remember that you shouldn’t open your door to strangers.
  • Don’t keep large amounts of money at home, and don’t keep your cheque book and cheque guarantee card together.
  • Keep all documents containing personal details out of sight.
  • Contact Envirocall to report streetlights that aren’t working in your neighbourhood. For contact details, or to do it online, visit the Newcastle City Council website.

    • Bogus callers

    Bogus callers are involved in ‘distraction burglary’, which the Home Office quotes as being ‘any crime where a falsehood, trick or distraction is used on an occupant of a dwelling to gain, or try to gain, access to the premises to commit burglary’.

    Older people are, unfortunately, often the target of distraction burglars who can prey on trust and possible vulnerability. Criminals posing as ‘cold callers’ tend to target homes with visible clues, such as hand rails or wheelchair access ramps.

    You may feel rude to refuse entry to someone who comes to your door, but it is your doorstep and, therefore, your decision. If you doubt whether someone is genuine, you should avoid giving them any personal details and don’t let them into your home.

    If the person has an identity card with them, check it carefully; even if they have a pre-arranged appointment with you. If you are unsure, you can always call the organisation that the person works for to check their identity. Use a telephone number that you already have, or look it up in the telephone directory, as the telephone number given on their identity card may also be fake. Genuine callers will not mind waiting while you do this.

    Some utility companies have password schemes, which means that the caller will quote your chosen password to prove that they are genuine. You can find out more about these schemes in our sections on Water supply and Gas and electricity.

    Remember, when someone comes to your door, take the following steps:

    If you have been tricked into letting someone into your home, you must report it to the police. The police believe that as many as nine out of ten such incidents could go unreported, as people often feel ashamed or embarrassed that they have been tricked in this way. You should remember that the police will not judge you and that there is no shame in falling victim to a doorstep criminal.

    Useful organisations

    The Newcastle Trades Register has been set up to help people aged over 60 years old in Newcastle to find tradespeople to carry out repairs and maintenance in their homes. Tradespeople have to go through a vetting procedure to standard criminal records bureau level; have their standard of work assessed (which includes getting references from people that they have worked for in the past); and ensure that they have indemnity insurance before being accepted onto the Register. This service should help to alleviate any concern you may have about using tradespeople that you don’t know personally. For more information, see our section on Finding reliable tradespeople, or contact the Newcastle Trades Register using the details given below.

    SafetyWorks! is an interactive safety centre serving the community of Tyne and Wear. Visitors participate in realistic situations illustrating everyday hazards and how to prevent them. SafetyWorks! is operated and managed by Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service and works in partnership with other agencies.

    SafetyWorks! has a dedicated Older Persons Safety Advisor and welcomes visits from older people. For further information, contact SafetyWorks! using the details given below.

    The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has produced the following guidance sheets, which are designed to give you useful tips and information to help improve your personal safety at home.

    Other useful information

    Scams advice on the Age UK website

    Information NOW section on Consumer advice

    Contact Information

    Newcastle Trades Register
    Mears Home Improvements Ltd, Hawks Road, Gateshead, NE8 3BL.
    Telephone : 0800 111 4418.

    SafetyWorks! Interactive Safety Centre
    West 15, Whickham View, Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6UN.
    Telephone : 0191 274 3532.
    Email : jacqui.donnell@twfire.gov.uk

    Suzy Lamplugh Trust
    National Centre for Personal Safety, Hampton House, 20 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TJ.
    Telephone : 020 7091 0014, Fax : 020 7091 0015.

    Article last updated January 3, 2012 8:56 pm

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