Burglary

A 'WIDE' combination includes:

• Window locks
• Indoor lights on timer switches
• Double door locks or deadbolts
• External lights on a sensor

As we work towards the Police and Crime Plan's 'every crime matters and every contact counts' priority your local officers will be accessible and accountable. You will be able to speak to them at COVID-secure engagements across the county. You can also buy forensic property marking liquids from us at cost price. See the dates or scroll to the bottom of this page.

Free timer switch devices are also available when you sign up to Your Community Alerts at one of these events.**

See the discount codes and user videos.

They want to find empty-looking homes, where they can’t be seen by neighbours and where they can get in and out quickly. Take away their opportunities by installing the ‘WIDE’ combination of security devices and by carrying out the following actions:

Is your back gate your weak spot?

 Stop access to your back garden. It is really important. Install strong fences and gates and make sure they are kept locked. Make it difficult for burglars to climb over them by adding trellis and spiky plants. Burglars enjoy the privacy of a back garden as it allows them to spend the time they need to get into your home often by smashing patio doors.

Install CCTV or digital doorbells

Install external CCTV or digital doorbells. Burglars don’t want to be seen and these devices can capture evidence we can circulate amongst our officers and the public.

See guidance on installing domestic CCTV here at gov.uk by clicking here.

Can your neighbours see your entrances and exits?

Increase the visibility of the entrances and exits of your home. Cut back and remove any plants, bushes and high fencing that block your neighbour’s view of your home. Burglars do not want to be seen as they may get caught.

Mark your property with forensic marking liquids

Use forensic marking liquids to increase the likelihood of getting your belongings back. These liquids act like DNA evidence and can be used to link recovered property back to you. Popular brands include SmartWater and SelectaDNA. You may be able to purchase these kits at a discounted price from us at our events as well as through your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

Check if valuables are on show

Check what valuables can be seen from the outside of your home. If there are items that may look tempting to a burglar remove them from view and make sure they are marked with a registered forensic marking liquid.

Wheelie bins, tools and heavy garden objects

Wheelie bins left out the front offer burglars help to get over your fences. Tools and heavy objects left out help them smash or force their way in. Put them away.

Events:

You can talk to your local officers about any policing concerns at these events as well as purchase heavily discounted forensic marking liquids while stocks last.

Free timer switch devices are also available when you sign up to Your Community Alerts at one of these events.**

Receive e-mail alerts about policing from your local officers, Gloucestershire Constabulary, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Neighbourhood Watch by signing up at yourcommunityalerts.co.uk.

Have you been a victim of burglary?

Visit Victim Support to see what help is available for you:
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/south-west/gloucestershire

Have you been a witness of burglary and want to report through a partner agency?

Give information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

* Tseloni, A., Thompson, R., Grove, L., Tilley, N. and Farrell, G. (2017). 49x more protection compared to no devices being installed.

** Free timer switches are available only at the listed engagement vehicle events when you sign up for the Your Community Alerts messaging service, while stocks last. If you have already signed up you can claim one free timer switch after showing an officer or staff member an e-mail you have received from the service.