Continued..
Beat the burglars and think about improving the overall security. This doesn't have to be an expensive burglar system, it can be as simple as:
Inside
- Fitting window locks and mortice deadlocks to secure external doors as well as a spy hole and safety chain
- Fitting timers to internal lights to give the appearance that you're indoors, especially during the short winter days
- Installing an intercom system with a camera so you can see who's at the door
Outside
- Fitting outdoor PIR lights with sensors to porches and driveways that are activated by movement. These will illuminate any unwanted visitors and also mean you can come home at night to a well lit house
- Ensuring garages and outbuildings are secure
- Locking away ladders
- Laying gravel paths and driveways so that you can hear people approaching your house
- Fitting electric gates
- Repairing broken fences and perimeter borders
- Cutting back hedges or bushes which can obstruct doorways, paths and general visability.
Fit a burglar alarm
If you want an intruder system, secure entrances and rooms with a burglar alarm that can be economical and easy enough to fit yourself. Or keep an eye on activity in and around your home with a CCTV camera, available in black and white or colour.
Day-to-day
- Remember to use the peep hole and safety chain when visitors call and get ID from them if you've never met them before. Don't be afraid to check their reason for being there by calling the company they say they are from. Remember to use the number in your phone book and not the one on their ID as this could be false
- Install an intercom system and make sure you use it
- When you leave the house, shut (and lock) all windows and external doors and hide keys out of sight
- If you have a burglar alarm, remember to use it!
- When you are away, ask a friend to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. Arrange for them to check round your property regularly and remove any evidence that you're away, such as free papers and milk.
Protecting yourself remotely
You don't just have to meet intruders face-to-face to find them threatening and dangerous.
Telephone callers
- Remain anonymous when you answer the phone. Don't answer with your name or number
- Unless they can prove their identity, don't give out any personal information, especially relating to your finance and where you live. Offer to call them back through an official channel so you know they're legitimate
- If you have an answer machine, simply leave a message about being unavailable rather than being out
- If you get pestered by nuisance or abusive calls, this can be very upsetting. If it continues, don't answer with a response – a genuine caller will speak first. Keep calm and don't show any emotion as this is often the response they're trying to encourage. If it continues, either ignore the phone or unplug it for a while but importantly tell the police and try and get the number barred or traced through your telephone provider. Some providers such as BT provide a nuisance caller number where you can speak to an advisor
Using the Internet
The nature of the world wide web can make many of us feel vulnerable. Much of the information we put on the internet can be viewed by others so we naturally worry about this. We also want to protect our children from viewing unsuitable material or meeting people we don't know or trust. However there are lots of simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
- Try to use secure websites that are operated by reputable organisations, especially when buying goods or services
- Don't email personal information such as name, address, telephone number or your place of work
- If you use chat rooms, remain anonymous and don't give out personal information – it's common practice to use a nickname instead of your own name
- Be especially vigilant if you allow children to use the internet. Try and keep a close eye on what they're viewing by positioning your PC in a family room not in their bedroom. Encourage them to tell you if they see or receive anything that upsets them. Make it clear why they shouldn't give out personal information
- If your children want to visit friends they have met over the internet, go with them and meet in a busy place
- If you would like to meet someone you have met over the internet, follow the advice you would give your children! Take someone with you and meet somewhere busy. If you can't take someone with you then let them know where you are going and arrange for them to call at a designated time to check that you are safe. Plan for what they should do if you do not return the call
- Barr any unsuitable websites
- Set up a Spam inbox for unwanted emails
About The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust helps everyone – men, women and children – to gain the knowledge and confidence they need to avoid violence and aggression and live safer lives. They do this by providing positive, practical guidance which individuals can adapt to meet their specific needs and lifestyles.
For more information about Suzy Lamplugh Trust personal safety resources, training, consultancy and fundraising, please visit their website at www.suzylamplugh.org or call 020 7091 0014.