Phil Buckley our Crime Reduction Advisor has provided me with his top tips to reduce the likelihood of being a victim of crime.

Phil's Tips: Crime Prevention in the Home

Although the detection of crime is an important aspect of police work, it is always preferable to lock the stable door before the horse is stolen. Taking steps to minimise the risks in the beginning can prevent members of our community and visitors from becoming victims and will make the criminal think twice about committing crime in your area.

In Halton we are totally committed to working in partnership with other agencies to provide a quality of service which is second to none. However, we believe that the most important partnership of all is the one which exists between ourselves and the people we serve.

Most crimes are committed not by hardened criminals but by the opportunist thief. We hope that by following the advice in these pages we can help you to reduce significantly the opportunity for criminals to make you a victim. By working together we can create a safer Halton and improve the environment in which we all live and work.

Phil's Tips: Keep it Coded

If the unthinkable were to happen, and we hope it never will, would you know the make, model and serial numbers of your television or your hi-fi for example?

Unless you've made the special effort to make notes of this vital information your property would be no different from the others stolen throughout the country. If the serial number of a stolen item was known it could be circulated as stolen in very much the same way as a stolen vehicle. So how do we do it?

Mark your property with an ultra violet marker pen. These pens are specially designed for writing on your prized possessions in ink that is invisible under normal light. However, under special ultra violet lamps the writing is clearly visible. They can be obtained at most DIY stores and security shops.

By printing your postcode followed by your house number or your house name, it is possible to trace you as the owner anywhere in the country. Always mark your property on the underneath, back or side as the postcode can be slightly visible on non-porous surfaces, and try to renew the writing every 12 months. If you move, simply write the new postcode.

For small items such as jewellery, which cannot easily be written on, simply take a photograph of it. Remember to place the item next to a ruler when you take the photo.

Phil's Tips: Garden Security

The importance of stopping burglars and prowlers from wandering around your garden is obvious. The only problem is that most people don't want their gardens to end up looking like a prisoner of war camp with barbed wire and machine gun posts around the perimeter! The good news is that we can use good old Mother Nature to solve many of our security problems.

For instance, a hedge made from prickly bushes would deter most thieves from pushing through them, and prickly climbers placed near to walls would stop most of our unwanted visitors climbing over.

Trees too can be used as an effective barrier. Holly such as Illex leylandii would still provide privacy, but few thieves would be able to get though.

The hawthorn Paul Scarlet Coccinae Plena has lovely scarlet coloured blossoms and an equally impressive thorny array, and is probably the choice for an average back garden.

Drain pipes giving access to flat roofs and windows can be protected with barbed wire or anti climbing paint. But just think how much nicer a rambling rose such as Leverkusen would be. It grows to about ten feet high and produces lovely pale yellow flowers.

Now that we have this nice security around the garden don't forget the garage or shed. Valuable electrical items should really be best stored in the home if your shed is particularly vulnerable. But if it is - do something about it!

A good quality hasp and staple with a padlock is important on all sheds and side doors to garages. Remember to use a hasp and staple that can be bolted to the door and frame for extra strength using coach bolts.

Remember to postcode tools; if it is impractical to use an ultra violet pen consider engraving/permanent marker instead. Lawn mowers can cease to be an attractive target if your postcode and house number is indelibly marked on them.

Glue smeared over heads of screws in the hinges of shed doors or the side door of a garage will prevent a thief simply unscrewing them. Alternatively consider replacing them with special tamper proof screws that cannot be unscrewed or coach bolts.

Always lock cycles to something fixed or bulky while in the shed or garage and have them post coded. Cycle dealers may provide this service for a small charge.

And finally, please don't leave spades, ladders and the like lying around the garden. They only provide a prospective burglar with handy tools to use when burgling your home!

Phil's Tips: Alarms

There is no doubt that the sight of an alarm box outside a house is a visible deterrent to burglars, but what type of alarm? There are two types: type A and type B. (Both should cut out after ringing for 20 minutes).

Type A (Remote signalling) Alarms

These are the types of alarm that are monitored by a private central station 24 hours a day. On being activated the alarm automatically informs an approved monitoring station who notifies the police on a dedicated line. This type of alarm is most appropriate for isolated buildings, or where you do not wish to rely on the assistance of neighbours. It is advisable to consult the monitoring agent about annual charges and the various methods of protecting the alarm from attack by the burglar, for example by having the telephone wires tampered with.

Please remember to avoid false alarm calls. False calls cause a loss of credibility both with neighbours who may stop taking notice of your alarm, and by the police who will withdraw response to your alarm, a consequence that may affect your insurance cover.

Type B (Audible Only) Alarms

This is the type of alarm that if a burglar sets off the alarm, or you press a personal attack button, the alarm rings. This type of system relies on attracting the attention of your neighbours, the police will not turn out to these alarms unless there is a burglary in process witnessed by a neighbour or the offenders have fled and may still be in the vicinity.

Phil's Tips: Vehicle Security

"The good news is that of all crimes, car crime is probably the most preventable of all. The fact is that good security can at worst slow a thief down, forcing him or her to use tools that are hard to conceal, and at best deter them completely. In addition some of the security measures mentioned here can cost nothing more than a little thought and common sense"

Doors and Windows

Lock the doors, windows, boot and sunroof every time you leave your car - however briefly. Most thieves are opportunist and are always on the watch for an open car. Don't make it yours!

Ignition Key and Immobiliser

Take the ignition key out even when the car is parked in your drive or garage, and always set the immobiliser. Immobilisers are designed to stop thieves driving cars away. There are various different types, ranging from electronic devices, which break the ignition circuit so the car won't start through to mechanical devices such as gear locks and steering locks.

Remember - always use them! If your car is stolen because you have left the keys inside your vehicle it will probably invalidate your insurance and will not be paid out.

Valuables and Other Possessions

Don't leave them on display. That old coat on the back seat may be worthless but a thief won't know that. They may break in to see if you've left money or cards in the pocket. Always remember that the cost of replacing a car window is often much more than the value of the goods stolen.

If you can, take your belongings with you. If you can't, lock everything out of sight in the boot. In particular never leave any of the following in your car.

Cheque, credit and debit cards

Thieves like nothing better than going on a spending spree with your plastic. They will also use them to refuel your car or to sell on to another thief.

Driving documents and personal correspondence

They could help a thief to sell your car or provide a cover story if stopped by the police.

Mobile Phones

40% of car break-ins involve the theft of a mobile phone. Mark your phone and battery with your postcode and keep a note of its serial number in a safe place.

This will help us to return your phone should it be stolen and subsequently recovered by us. Get the IMEI 15 digit number off your phone by keying in, *#06# then write it down if your mobile phone is stolen contact your service provider and they will render the phone useless to the thief.

CD and Radio/Cassette players

Always remove these if you can. Whether removable or not, all equipment should be marked both visibly and permanently with the vehicle registration number. Take the time to make a note of the serial number and keep it in a safe place.

Satellite navigation systems

Whenever you leave your vehicle unattended even for a short time always remove the system and also its associated accessories such as leads/cradles etc. You wouldn't leave a wallet containing cash on the dashboard so don't leave valuables.

Etching

Arrange to have the vehicle registration number etched on to all glass surfaces - including the side windows and headlamps. You may also arrange to have the vehicle identification number etched in this way, but always remember to check with your vehicle manufacturer and insurer before doing so.

Aerial

When parking please remember to put the aerial down to prevent it being vandalised.

Driving

Even when driving remember to keep all valuables out of sight and consider keeping all the doors locked and the windows closed. Thieves have been known to steal handbags and other valuables by opening car doors while cars have been stationary at traffic lights or held up in slow moving traffic such as those encountered at large sporting events.

Never leave your car unattended with the engine running. Not only is this an invitation to a thief to drive off with it but it is an offence, also your insurer won't pay you out for the vehicle loss.

Parking

If you have a garage please use it and remember to lock it! More than half of all car thefts occur in the vicinity of the home. When away from your home or if you do not have a garage, always try to park in a well lit open location.

Thieves target car parks. A quarter of all recorded crime happens in car parks. When parking in a public car park look for one that is well supervised with restricted entry and exit points, good lighting and security cameras. Avoid dark corners.

The police scheme Safer Car Parks aims to make car parks safer, more attractive places by setting high crime prevention standards of internal design, layout and management. Those that meet the required standards are entitled to display the official plaque.

Phil's Tips: Home Security

A lot of people have the misconception that the average burglar is a 'master criminal' who watches your movements for days and plans his burglary meticulously. In reality a burglar is usually a young man, or woman looking for an easy way into your home to steal your property without being observed or disturbed.

If positive action is taken you can substantially reduce the chance of your home being the subject of a burglary. The more you can do to dissuade a prospective thief - the safer you are.

Some criminals have realised that they don't have to go to all the trouble of breaking into your house if they can simply get you to invite them in! Most people assume that doorstep crooks only prey on the old and vulnerable but anyone can become a victim, and all of us can take simple steps to prevent the crime.

First let us reassure you. You've probably had nothing but genuine callers at the front door, but it's worth taking a few seconds to check each caller at the door properly. Doorstep crooks come in many guises. Here are just a few.

The Bogus Workman

The bogus workman will use his silvery tongue and sales patter to get you to employ him immediately at a 'never to be repeated' price to replace your fascias, fix your guttering or clean your drains. Often they will be driving vans with flashy graphics on the sides promising 'life time guarantees'. Anyone can buy a van. Don't trust them!

Take our advice. If you really need to have any building work done it makes good sense to get several written quotes from trustworthy and established firms/ or referrals from relatives or friends. Then you can decide who is best.

Bogus Officials

These are the criminals who pretend to be from the Local Authorities, Water, Gas and Electricity services. Don’t trust them! Officials from the Water Board (United Utilities) never need to come into your home to test water pressure or repair a leak, even in an emergency. If for some unforeseen reason they do need access they will always send a letter to make an appointment.

Genuine callers want you to check their identity before you let them in so examine their identity cards carefully and if you are in any doubt ring up and check that they are genuine.

Alternatively, if you have difficulty in reading identity cards ring the number given on your bills and ask to join the password scheme. Every time a meter reader calls they will identify themselves by the password you have given. The scheme is free and could save you from a very unpleasant visitor.

Remember the following advice:

• Look before you open - Always look to see who is at the door before you open it.
• Door Viewer - If you don't have a glass door fit a spy hole door viewer. Another alternative is to get into the habit of always looking through a window near the door to see who is calling.
• Outside light - An outside light over your door will enable you to see a caller in the dark. Position the light so it lights up the caller's face.
• Door Chain - If you need to open the door to strangers use a door chain or similar device. Remember to only use the door chain when answering the door as it could impede your exit in case of emergency and another's entry if you were ill or needed help and before you open the front ensure your back door is locked.
• Check identity cards thoroughly.
• Don't let people in until you are completely satisfied that you know who they are and what they want. Check them out!!
• If you're unhappy keep the door locked until you can verify their story or ask them to come back later and try to get a neighbour, friend or relative present.
• If you let them in accompany them at all times.
• Never part with money or anything else, whatever they say.
• Don't let callers pressurise you into letting them in, ever!
• If in doubt, keep them out!!

If you are suspicious - Call the Police! Remember, STOP, CHAIN, CHECK.

Phil's Tips: Security Measures

Fences and Lighting

The objective of the exercise is to make our unwanted guest feel exposed and vulnerable when he/she approaches your property. Low fencing and low hedges can help, as can high transparent fencing. External lighting has much the same effect.

As it activates the burglar is suddenly surrounded in bright light and totally visible. Police Officers particularly like security lighting as it exposes the thief and aids the officer in searching your property.

There are several types of external lighting:

• Halogen lights- these lights have an integral sensor that detects a person approaching and automatically operates a high powered floodlight. This type of light is quite inexpensive and relatively easy to fit. It can be quite nice to be greeted by a bright light if you have to go out in the garden, but thieves hate it!
• Dusk till Dawn, Low Wattage Lights - if you prefer external lighting that comes on when the light fades and continues to be on until the dawn there are types of external lighting that use photocell darkness detector units that can operate any number or style of light. Low wattage economy lights can then be used without a big expense.
• Control Timers or time switches - These devices can be set at varying intervals to switch on lamps and lights in different parts of the home to give the lived in impression.

Doors

There is little point in spending good money on excellent locks only to have the thief kick a hole in a 'balsa wood' door! If in doubt about the strength of your doors and frames get a builder or joiner in to assess their suitability.

Modifications to strengthen weak door panels need not be expensive, for example screwing on a piece of ½ " exterior grade plywood and painting it the same colour as your door will make it much harder to force.

You might consider locking interior doors while you are out of the house. The advantages are that it prevents a burglar roaming the house easily; the downside is that he may smash them down and cause more damage. Another consideration is that locked doors can prevent escaping in the case of a fire. It's your choice!

Locks

If you only have a traditional cylinder rim night latch on your door it might be best if you fitted an additional Mortice dead lock that conforms to British Standards (BS3621) or has at least five levers. Some people fit mortice bolts instead, particularly on back doors. These are more substantial than little wardrobe type draw bolts.

With a mortice bolt when the key is rotated it forces a bolt to merge from the door itself directly into the frame.

With windows the type of lock that pulls the window into the frame with a key are generally stronger. This may stop the burglar forcing the window open or leaning through a smaller window to undo it. If the opening section of the window is large, fit two window locks.

Fortunately, most types of window locks can be fitted by anyone that can use a screwdriver! Self-locking window locks are marginally more expensive but might be more convenient on frequently opened windows.

Double Glazing

When choosing double glazing it might be preferable to choose a system that uses a number of bolts coming out of the window frame into the fixed frame rather than one that simply uses the handle to lock the window. In addition you should have to use a key to lock the window for added security. Choose a system that makes it impossible to remove the fixed pane of glass without first smashing it and don’t leave the keys in the locks.

Patio doors can be protected by fitting one or two of the popular purpose made locks or a security bar. If in doubt consult a glazier or locksmith for advice. If you are fortunate enough to have a patio door that slides in the inside of a fixed panel it can be made secure very effectively and cheaply by placing a piece of wood along the floor tract on the inside between the door and the frame. It could even be made to look like the original wooden sill. This will make the door difficult to force open - even with a crow bar.

French windows should be protected by fitting mortice locks to both the top and bottom of each opening door. The locks should be fitted into the frame - not just the other door. If any external door opens outwards then hinge bolts should be fitted as added security.

Safes

We have all heard of people who hide their belongings under floorboards and even under the beds. We would suggest that using a hidden safe as a jewellery box might be a lot safer! Most domestic safes rely on not being seen as their main security, and some safes can be difficult to fit properly. Discussing your needs with a qualified locksmith could well pay dividends.

Dogs

Sometimes a dog can be a deterrent, but most have the instinct to protect their owners and will simply ignore a burglar if no one is at home. In addition most dogs are family pets and are not properly trained to be guard dogs. Also your dog will probably not be there when you go on holiday or go out for the day, so please don’t use them as your sole deterrent.

Generally burglars don’t relish the thought of being disturbed by the householder and usually burgle unoccupied houses. If you can keep the thief guessing if you are home or not it will act as a major deterrent. You can convince them someone is in the house by using plug in timers to randomly switch lights on and off throughout your home. Devices are also available that fit between the lamp and the actual light bulb.

Radios

Radios can be connected to such devices to provide 'lived in' sounds to dissuade unwanted visitors. Chat channels are better than music channels for this application.

You can also arrange for neighbours to open and close curtains in your absence and you can do the same for them when they are away.

Please Note - Louvre windows on the ground floor should be avoided. If they are fitted and cannot be replaced a glazing firm should be able to secure each pane of glass with a strong adhesive to prevent a thief removing the panes and climbing through the open window.

Phil's Tips: Personal Security

'Firstly I would like to reassure you, the chances of being attacked on a street are a rare occurrence but when it does happen it has a massive impact on the victim and their family. There are some very simple steps you can take to reduce even further, the possibility of it happening to you'

Getting Home

If you find yourself trying to get home alone at night take precautions. It is always sensible to arrange a lift home. If you have to get a taxi always try to use the same firm whenever possible. If you can, try to confirm the name of the driver who will be picking you up or provide a code word for identification purposes. If you are travelling on public transport try to sit near to the driver, avoiding an empty upper deck on buses and vacant compartments on trains.

Walking Home

If there is no choice but to walk home alone at night, take the advice your parents gave you when you were younger. Walk in the centre of the pavement, avoiding short cuts through dimly lit and deserted areas. It is wiser to face oncoming traffic to avoid the surprise of a vehicle approaching you from behind. It's also rather difficult for a motorist to pester you if he/she has to do it in reverse gear.

If you suspect that you are being followed, cross the street several times if necessary, if it continues walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on someone's door.

If you are carrying a shoulder bag, keep it positioned so that the flap is facing into you with the strap firmly over your arm and head, rather than it being draped over an arm. This simple step could reduce the chances of your bag being stolen. If you are attacked and the offender is after your bag, let it go safer to loose your property than to be violently assaulted and loose it anyway.

Driving Alone

Make sure that your car is up to the journey, check your vehicle according to the driver's manual including your spare tyre, and make sure that it's not flat. Plan your journey and use maps. Ideally you don't want to be stopping in unfamiliar areas asking directions from strangers. Tell the person you're visiting when you expect to arrive and if necessary keep them updated. Consider joining a breakdown recovery service.

Also consider taking a bag of survival items in the boot, out of sight, this should contain the following items:

• A torch with fresh batteries.
• Jump leads.
• An approved fuel can filled with fuel.
• Personal attack alarm.
• Enough money to make a phone call (or a phone card).
• Waterproof clothing for changing a tyre in inclement weather.

Finally, a current trend in some inner city areas is for thieves to open the passenger door of your car while you are stuck in traffic and steal a handbag or other item. So consider locking your doors and windows if faced with a similar situation. In a traffic jam consider stopping far enough from the car in front so that you can see the other vehicle's wheels. This way you can pull out in an emergency and get away!

Additional advice is freely available by contacting your Crime Reduction Advisor Phil Buckley on 01244-61-3971 or write to him at Runcorn Police Station, Halton Lea, Runcorn.WA7 2HG.