Valuable items on view? – it’s the only invitation a thief needs

Most burglaries happen when a property is empty – leave a light on in at least one of the rooms.  Use a timer to switch on the lights if possible so that they go on and off giving the appearance that someone is at home.  Remember to reset the timer as the daylight hours grow shorter/longer

Protect your belongings

Help beat the burglars by using Smartwater - a property marking system which is proven to reduce burglary.   

SmartWater is a colourless, odourless liquid which security marks valuable property with a unique chemical formula, and is available free to our tenants – contact your local St. Leger office if you would like more details.     

Security lighting

An external security light will help you see who is outside, but make sure you ask your local St Leger office for permission before installing one

Always lock doors and windows when you go out, even for a short time and remember to lock your front door if you go in to the back garden

Keys

Don’t leave your keys where they can be seen from outside and never leave keys in convenient hiding places such as under the door mat or in a flowerpot – the thief will look there first!

Have a safety door chain fitted where possible

Put strong locks on garages and sheds and blank out windows – these are usually full of expensive tools that would be ideal to break into the rest of the house – don’t give them the tools for the job!

Don’t make your house an open invitation – keep windows closed and locked when you are not in that room - In almost half of all burglaries, the thief has got in through and open door or window

Entry Phone Systems

If you live in a building with an entry phone system, it’s important that you use it properly to keep the building secure.  Do not let in people you don’t know or leave the door open after you

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch groups are made up of local residents who work together to improve the security in the community and help to prevent crime.  The groups have links with local police and other crime prevention agencies and can warn residents of crime trends in their area.  If you would like more information contact the Neighbourhood Watch Association 

If your home is broken into

Do not enter your home if you think the burglars may still be there

Contact the police immediately – call 999 if you do think the burglars are still around, otherwise contact the general help number on 01142 202020 

You will also need to report the break in to our Repairs Centre

Do not tidy up until the police have been and checked your home over – you may destroy useful evidence 

Contact your insurance company if you have contents insurance – they should have a 24-hour emergency helpline.  The contact number will normally be on your insurance policy   

Remember to cancel any credit/bank cards that are stolen, and to contact the pension or benefits agency if your pension/benefit books are missing

Driving Licence Replacement

If your driving licence is stolen, you will need to contact DVLA to obtain a replacement.

More advice on securing your property is available from South Yorkshire Police 

If you are the victim of a crime, you can get help and advice from Victim Support