Hassocks, Keymer and Clayton Neighbourhood Watch

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Crime Hotspots -- Garages and Outbuildings

Garages and outbuildings have formed crime hotspots; they are targeted by the offender when access is out of view of caring neighbours.  Theft, criminal damage and squatting have recently been dealt with by Sussex Police in both rural and urban areas of Mid Sussex.

Check your security now!  Use what you have got to secure your building but consider adding more - ground anchors, alarms and additional locks may be essential to provide sound security.  Soldsecure test and grade security products - pick up a leaflet at the Police Station and check that your locks meet the standard.  Give careful attention to 'up and over' doors, you may need to install additional locks.  See also the security products sold by Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Watch.

Take the time to security mark your property, readily identifiable property is less attractive to the offender and more easily returned to the rightful owner.  Tamper resist labels and permanent pens are cheap and easy to use, more costly items are often marked with sophisticated tracking and covert identification methods.

Make your building and surrounding area appear secure at all times; could lighting and signage be enhanced?  Litter, graffiti and damage can cause 'the broken window effect' encouraging crime and anti-social behaviour, a clean-up campaign can be the first step to enhance security.  Looks count!

The aftermath of crime at garages and outbuildings can be devastating in terms of both cost and time:

• Replacing locks and bolts and perhaps even doors and windows

• Repairing criminal damage

• Replacing stolen property

• Obtaining eviction orders from the courts

• Clearing up debris of those who have entered the building

Trust your instincts, if you see something suspicious call the police.

If you think a crime is about to happen or crime is in progress dial 999.
The non emergency number for Sussex Police is
0845 60 70 999 or email
Information can be left anonymously by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

25-10-06

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