LINCOLNSHIRE POLICEpolicing with PRIDE

BEWARE SUMMERTIMECRIME!

In the summertime when theweather is fine make sure

you’re not a victim of crime!

Open windows and doors may let the fresh air in but they also alloweasy access and provide tempting opportunities for thieves who needjust seconds to walk or reach in and take purses and other valuablesfrom tables and worktops. Don’t give thieves an open invitation.

A determined burglar can get through the smallest of open windows.So, whenever you go out - no matter how long for, make sure you shutall windows and doors.

Try to follow the guidelines below to reduce your risk of becoming avictim of burglary or theft:

1. Lock all windows and doors and remove the keys to a safe placewhen you leave the house, even if just for a few minutes.

2. If you are at the rear of the house or in the garden always ensurethe windows and doors at the front of the house are locked.

3. Do not leave valuables in sight or reach of any open windows.

4. Lock all downstairs windows at night.

5. Put away and secure all gardening equipment and children’s bikesetc. after use.

6. Use good quality locks on garages and sheds.

7. Ensure both locks and hinges on shed and garage doors areworking properly and do not need repairing (ensure screws onlatches and hinges cannot be undone easily from the outside.

8. Ensure you know what make and model your gardening tools arefor identification purposes in the event that they are stolen.

9. Mark up gardening equipment with your postcode. This should bedone overtly with paint, paint pens or permanent markers wherepossible to make them less attractive to thieves as they are harderto re-sell.

10. Make this summer one you remember for the weather - not for thecrime!

Holiday ChecklistTake a look at this before you go away and when you have completed the tasks, tick the boxes.

Help reduce the risk of your home being broken into by taking some simple home security measures.

AND ... just before you actually set off it’s worth allowing a quiet couple of minutes on the doorstep tocheck you’ve done all you had to do and taken everything you need with you.

Happy Holiday

Leave small valuable items, like jewellery, on deposit at the bank, or consider installing a small floor safe. Don’t lock internal doors ordesks - they may be forced if someone does break in.

Lock the garage and shed with proper security locks, after putting allyour tools safely away so they cannot be used to break into your house.If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to asecure fixture with a ‘close-shackle’ padlock and heavy-duty chain.

Cancel deliveries of milk, newspapers etc, discreetly - don’tannounce your departure to a shop full of people. Only tell peoplewho need to know you’re going away.

Mark any valuables with your postcode followed by a house numberor the first two letters of the house name.

It is worthwhile to get automatic time switches to switch lights and aradio on and off in downstairs rooms.

Don’t leave valuable items like televisions, videos or hi-fi visiblethrough windows.

Don’t have your home address showing on your luggage for theoutward journey. Put this only on the inside of your cases.

Finally, lock all outside doors and windows. If you have a burglaralarm,make sure it is set.

Make sure your house looks occupied. Closed curtains in thedaytime makes it look as if no one is at home - ask a trustedneighbour to collect post, open and close curtains.

Arrange for pets to be properly looked after.

Cut the lawns before you go.