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We have some top tips to help keep you and your home safe this summer and deter potential burglars.

During the hot weather people understandably like to have their windows and doors open, however this can make a home more vulnerable to intruders.

Here’s some advice to keep in mind during warmer weather:

Ensure all windows and doors are locked when you leave the house – even if you’re only popping out for a few minutes!
Make sure to lock away ladders at all times
Keep front, patio and back doors closed and locked when you are elsewhere in the house or the garden
Trimming hedges and trees at the front of your property removes opportunities for burglars to hide out of sight
Consider growing prickly hedges or roses around the perimeter of your back garden – these are known as defensive plants and provide a level of deterrence
Installing a dusk to dawn security light (at head height by front and back doors) – this increases levels of surveillance and will deter offenders
Intruder alarm systems and CCTV will improve security – not to be replaced of basic security methods!
Make sure to keep garden sheds and other outbuildings locked at all times
Secure side gates and keep them well maintained with padlocks on
Keep valuables out of sight and away from windows and doors
Lock your bike away in a secure shed or garage
Clear or hide heavy, loose debris from garden areas such as bricks, slabs etc. as these can be used to access your home
The West Mercia Police website offers further crime prevention advice:

Crime prevention advice | West Mercia Police

Neighbourhood Watch | West Mercia Police

You can also reply to this email if you have any questions, and I will get back in touch.

To report a crime follow the link below or call 101.

https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

In an emergency, please call 999.

Whilst many criminals have resorted to the Internet in order to defraud unsuspecting victims, residents may still be experiencing visits from cold callers on your doorstep either selling goods and services, or, as has been reported recently, attempting to buy high value items on the doorstep such as gold, silver, jewellery or antiques.

Everyone has come across at some time those persons trying to sell cleaning materials backed up by a story of being an ex-offender and trying to make a new life. Sometimes known as the “Nottingham Knockers,” there have been reports of these callers selling their victims cleaning materials then producing a card machine for payment

However, when they enter the payment amount on the card reader instead of entering, say £15, they add some “0’s” on the end, thus creating a payment of £150 or even £1500. Always check the amount before entering your PIN or using contactless payments

Also, before buying from these cold callers, always remember that anyone selling goods door to door should be in possession of a “Pedlar’s Licence” which you should ask to see.

Dealing with someone face to face on the doorstep puts the householder under extra pressure and these fraudsters will always try and smooth talk you, or pressure you, into agreeing to something you never really wanted.

So how can you protect yourself?

· Firstly, always be on your guard and be suspicious of anyone turning up out of the blue and uninvited – a sign at the door saying uninvited callers not welcome can often help

· Use of Smart Doorbells with cameras are a good deterrent, and also gives you the facility to talk to them without opening the door

· Always ask for an ID to prove they, and their business, are genuine

· Never be rushed into signing up for a deal, and always ask for written quotations on their company headed notepaper so you can check they are genuine; it is also helpful to ask for references for a tradesman’s previous customers

· You can also get your Utility Companies to set up a Password so then you know when someone claiming to be from the Electric, Gas, Telephone or Water Company is genuine

· If the caller remains persistent then call the Police, either 999 if urgent, or 101 if you do not feel in immediate danger

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DISTRACTION THEFTS

Following on from this, never let any stranger into your home, and always be aware of distraction callers when one person keeps you talking, whilst their partner goes around the back of the property to gain entry.

Also be alert when out and about for 2 other types of Distraction Theft, currently being reported in the wider Midlands area.

· PAY AT THE PUMP - Criminals have been using various techniques to steal your bank card when using Pay-at-the-Pump filling stations, including saying they work there and have come to help you fill up whilst a second person takes your card. Or they may say the pump is out of order, cover the machine and take your card. In all cases the bank card is used very quickly at a nearby ATM to withdraw cash.

· ATM DISTRACTIONS- one or more persons may either tell you the ATM is not working, then make off with your card, or whilst one person distracts you with a question, their partner removes your card and again this will be used very quickly to remove as much as cash as possible.

Similar tactics have been used in public car parks. So always be aware of your surroundings, use ATM’s in well lit and public areas, and if approached by someone claiming to be an employee or official, ask for their ID.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours