Home Security
Crime prevention at home
Domestic burglary in Derby and Buxton has been following a continual downward trend for a number of years, where it does happen it is mainly because it has been made easy for the criminal. Most burglars are opportunists who want an easy life see a chance and take it. Often all you need to do is make it that little bit harder for them and they will go elsewhere.
You may reside in your own home, rented accommodation or in Halls at some time during your time at the University of Derby, whichever applies to you we offer you some simple and common sense advice on how to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in your own home.
- Lock your doors front and back when you leave, you would be amazed how many people forget, in shared accommodation it's easy to assume someone else did it.
- If your accommodation has a side gate (as in terraced housing) lock it and keep it locked, deny the criminal access to the rear.
- Close accessible windows where someone may climb in, especially if it opens above a flat roof or extension.
- Put tools or anything else that could be used as an implement to gain entry out of the way.
- Leaving keys "under the doormat" or somewhere similar is an invitation to be burgled.
- If you're going out after dark leave a light on and draw the curtains, a dark house is an obvious indication that there is no one at home.
- If you have cash, credit/debit cards jewelry or other small high value items in the house find somewhere you can hide them where they will be hard to find. A burglar will be in and out of the house as quickly as possible so wont normally search to a great degree.
- Make a note of the serial numbers of valuable items
- Fit a security chain to the door, use it and don't let anyone in unless you know them
- If you are going home for the holidays take valuable items with you, do what you can to make the house look occupied.
- If you keep a bike at home keep it inside or secure it
- Neighbours; cultivate rather than alienate them, and encourage them to keep an eye on your house for you.
