Seasonal crime prevention advice - Hassocks, Keymer and Clayton Neighbourhood Watch

Walk in burglaries will be on the increase the in summer months, security concerns are often abandoned in favour of sun screen, hat and an hour or two at the bottom of the garden.  Do not be complacent, if you cannot see the door or window it should be locked!  The NHW shed alarm can be used as a door chime, correctly set, it will alert you to movement of the door/item to which it is attached.  See the products page for details.

Peace of Mind while you are away (Home Office leaflet available from your local Police Station).

Looks count, make your home appear occupied at all times.  An unoccupied home is more likely to be targeted by the burglar.  A light placed on a timer switch and a thoughtful neighbour removing a parcel from the step will help a home appear occupied.  Perhaps a neighbour will park in the drive and even cut the lawn.  Do not show your home address on luggage until you are en route home.  Here are more holiday related crime prevention ideas.

Reaching the parts of the home that cannot be viewed by caring neighbours leaves a weak spot.  Tall, lockable gates, high fences and prickly plants will deter the intruder reaching the rear and sides of the property.  Perimeters to the front, however, should be kept lower to enable good visibility from caring neighbours and police patrols.

Caravanning this summer?
Operation Defender aims to make sure that caravans on the road are with their owners and not stolen.  If you are a caravan owner you may like to download and print a notice for the back window which you can display when your caravan is unattended in case of theft.

Download Operation Defender notice
(446KB)
Downloading and Printing info here.

Click for further related crime prevention advice!

Operation Sunshine
Sussex Police say "Some 30% of house burglaries in Sussex are carried out as a result of unlocked doors and windows during June, July and August.
If you want to relax - make sure your property is secure, even when you're in the garden".  You can download a handy guide and poster below...

Download Operation Sunshine poster/leaflet
(503KB)
Downloading and Printing info here.

Use what you have got to secure your home.  Secure windows paying particular attention to those on the ground floor and those above flat roof areas.  Use those locks and bolts and make sure the keys (house and vehicle) are out of sight.  If your alarm is 'bells only' make sure that neighbours are aware that, on activation, police attendance will only be beckoned if information is accompanied by details of suspicious activity.

Personal safety - the Neighbourhood Watch personal attack alarm and shed alarm can both be used as door alarms as well as personal attack alarms.  A useful addition to your holiday luggage, see our products page.

On Display - Easy Prey!

Cycles and costly sport gear are all left unattended in parks and shopping centres throughout the county.  Security mark them and lock them - do not loose them!

Theft from unattended motor vehicles handbags, wallets and laptops are just a sample of the items stolen from vehicles near you, sometimes hidden, sometimes on show!  Do not leave ANY valuables in an unattended vehicle.  Display the Home Office 'Secured' sign.
Think about your parking spot:

• Will caring adults be passing by?

• Returning after dark?

• Will your parking spot still look as safe?

Going walking near Beauty Spots?  Be vigilant - car crime always rises in these locations in the summer months.