No Cold Calling notices

You might be interested in the following notice which you can display in your window or front door to deter unwanted cold callers. Available from West Sussex County Council Trading Standards trading.standards@westsussex.gov.uk  Email them and they'll send one in the post.

Crime Prevention Advice

To Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators and Members

 

 

Keep your home secure

 

With the autumn evenings approaching, it is time to focus on keeping your home secure.   Leaving your home during hours of darkness, without putting on lights or drawing the curtains, indicates to the opportunist criminal that there is no-one at home. Unfortunately, every year sees a spate of early evening burglaries associated with the clocks going back. Please help us to help you by taking the steps outlined below:- 

 

• Use an automatic time switch on an indoor light, either in a room that cannot be peered into from the road, or upstairs.   Regularly change the timing on the switch.

 

• Put a time switch on a radio that has been tuned to a chat station, this will give the impression that the house is occupied. Again, regularly change the timing on the switch.

 

• Fit security lighting, either dusk to dawn energy efficient lighting that will come on automatically as dusk sets in, or brighter passive infrared activated lighting drawing attention to movement.

 

• Ensure that gates or access to the rear of the house are locked and secure. Don’t forget to lock your shed, the tools can be used to break in. Trim overgrown plants – don’t give burglaries a hiding place.

 

• Secure windows, paying particular attention to those on the ground floor and above flat roof areas. Use locks and bolts and keep all your keys, including car keys, out of sight and out of reach.

 

• Property mark your valuables by using your postcode and your house number or name.    Some articles are unsuitable for marking so photograph them – with a ruler in view to show scale.

 

• Intruder alarms are an effective deterrent against burglars.    Before choosing a system ensure it is the one most suitable for your needs.

 

• Trust your instincts. If you see anything suspicious let us know. If you think a crime is about to happen or is in progress dial 999.  

 

• Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.    For details of a local scheme or to start a scheme phone us on 0845 070 999 and ask for the Crime Prevention Co-ordination in your area.