Prevention

Home security

Always lock your doors and windows. 

Make sure you have good quality locks on doors and windows which lock (windows can be smashed but burglars do not like to climb through the sharp glass—they try to open the window). 

Lock side gates with a mortice lock and maintain fences (make entry and exit to the back garden difficult). 

Leave a light on a time switch if you are out at night.  Try not to let post pile up on your doorstep or have parcels outside as this makes it look like you are away. 

Think like a burglar.....Would you break into this house?  (Probably not if you thought people were home.)  How would you get in?  Burglars go for the weak spot (generally doors and windows) out of sight (back not front). 

Get your neighbours to keep an eye open if you are away.

Car crime   

Keep cars locked.  Do not leave things inside which look attractive to car thieves. 

Park your car in view of houses, ideally where you can see it from your own house. 

If your car has a fancy remote control, this could be hacked from inside your house so keep it in a Faraday Box.    

https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/burglary-WIDEN

Person-to-person assault 

Always be aware of those around you, know your route and walk briskly with confidence.

Walk along roads which are overlooked and (at night) lit.  Don't display obviously valuable items like phones. 
If you feel unsafe, phone a friend to meet you or the police. 
(A message on a local WhatsApp group may encourage a neighbour to look out for you.)

Communication

As part of a community, we can communicate with each other and stay one step ahead of the criminals.  We recommend you join your street’s WhatsApp group.  You can warn your neighbours of dangers if you become aware of them or ask for help. 

If there is a serious security matter, the Woodside Park Committee will contact the coordinators of all the local WhatsApp groups so that they can disseminate a warning.  (This means of communication will never be used to spam!).  Our website blog may also contain security news, tips and advice.

Reporting

In addition to reporting crimes or attempted crimes to the Police, we are asking you to report them to us.

This will allow us to build a pattern and create more tailored advice.  For example:

·       Burglars have entered properties through a particular route several times

·       A particular type of window or door appears to be vulnerable

·       Certain times or days are more common

We can try to spot this pattern and advise. 

You can report here:  https://woodside-park.com/incident

Security is now a portfolio for an Association committee member. Email hello@woodside-park.com to discuss any aspect of security.

If you are a victim of any crime or feel unsafe, report this immediately to the police.  999 or 101.