Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

Levels of crime in Staffordshire Moorlands are low when compared to national levels. We can all take some simple steps to make it more difficult for burglars and stop ourselves from becoming a victim of crime at home.

The Home Office tell us that most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves.  In two out of ten burglaries they don't even have to use force - they get in through an open door or window.

Look at your home through a burglar's eyes.

• How would you get in if you'd forgotten your keys? If you can get in, so can a burglar.
• Are there places where they could break in without being seen?
• Would they have to make a lot of noise by breaking glass?

Advice on keeping safe from bogus callers and on what to do if you are a victim of burglary is available on this website.

More information on making it difficult for the burglar can be obtained from the Home Office.

 Top Tips

Good Security

• Make sure that all of your doors and windows have adequate locks and bolts.
• Doors should be fitted with a five lever mortice lock (and windows should fasten with a key.
• Doors and window frames should be strong and in good condition so that they can't be easily broken. If you are replacing or fitting new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24-1 (doors).
• Think about fitting a chain on the door and a spyhole.
• Consider fitting an alarm. Switch it on whenever you go out.
• Lock your sheds and garages (consider buying a shed alarm).
• Keep ladders and tools locked away. These could be used to break into your home.
• Prevent intruders getting to the back and sides of your home by installing strong fencing or gates.
• Make sure that passers-by can see the front of your home so that a burglar can't work without being seen. Trim back any plants or hedges that a burglar could hide behind.

Good Habits

• Always lock up before you go out - even if you are only going out for a short time, such as calling to see a neighbour or popping to the local shop.
• If you have an alarm, use it.  Always switch it on when leaving the house.
• Keys should be kept out of sight.  Never leave keys in the view of windows or doors.  Don't leave your keys in the door at any time.  Make sure that everyone in the house knows where the keys are kept though in case of an emergency such as a fire.
• Never leave a key outside your home (eg under a plant pot or under the doormat).
• Leave a light on if you are going out in the evening (but don't draw unnecessary attention to your home).  Consider getting a timer switch to control lights automatically.
• Take extra care in summer when it is tempting to leave windows, patio doors, etc open. This can also be tempting for thieves.  Don't make it easy for them.
• Don't leave boxes and packaging for new appliances, toys or other goods outside your home.  You don't want to advertise what you have just bought or been given. Crush the boxes and put them in the bin - recycling whatever you can.
• Protect yourself from bogus callers.
• Take precautions when you go away.

Good Neighbours

• Think about joining Staffordshire Police Neighbourhood Watch.
• Bogus callers tend to prey on elderly and vulnerable people who may live alone.  If you are concerned that any of your neighbours may become victims of bogus callers then let them know that they can ask you for help if they're not sure about the identity of callers.
• Join Staffordshire Police's Nominate a Neighbour scheme.
• If you are expecting a parcel, make sure that someone is there when it is delivered, or ask a neighbour to take it in.  Avoid having it left on the doorstep.
• If you see anything suspicious, report it.  Phone Staffordshire Police or Crimestoppers.

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