Home Security

Home Security

Dear Resident,

Most burglaries take place when homes are unoccupied and are often carried out by opportunistic offenders rather than being carefully planned. Offenders commonly target rear doors and windows, where access is less visible.

To help reduce the risk of burglary, we encourage residents to focus on three key principles:

• Deter – make your home appear occupied and secure

• Delay – make it difficult to gain entry

• Detect – increase the likelihood of being seen or identified

Practical Steps to Protect Your Home

Around your property

• Keep front hedges and fences low to improve natural surveillance

• Use taller, secure fencing at the rear and sides to restrict access

• Add trellis, anti-climb measures or thorny plants to make climbing difficult

Lighting & visibility

• Install dusk-to-dawn or motion-sensor lighting at the front and rear of your property

Doors, windows & alarms

• Always lock doors and windows, including when you are at home or asleep

• Set your burglar alarm whenever you leave, even for short periods

• If you don’t have an alarm, consider window or door alarms as a cost-effective alternative

Making your home look occupied

• Use timers or smart plugs to control lighting

• Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property if you are away

Protecting valuables

• Store high-value items such as cash or jewellery in a properly secured safe (fixed to a wall or floor)

Technology

• Consider installing CCTV or a video doorbell system

• Position cameras to capture clear images and ensure they are suitable for both day and night use

Community Safety

• Report any suspicious activity to the police

• Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme

Taking simple precautions can make your home less attractive to opportunist offenders and help keep your community safe.

We hope this information helps.

Kind regards,

Crime Prevention Team

It is important to us that we know about the issues that cause you concern. We have set up a survey where you can tell us about the things you would like us to focus on in your area.

Resident's voice | Cheshire Constabulary