Do Not Leave Your ‘Home Alone’
Advice on home security during the summer holidays
July and August are popular months for taking well-earned holidays; but they are also popular months for burglars to target unoccupied houses. Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. Don’t forget to take precautions (see below) to minimalise a thief’s options to force entry to your home and steal goods.
The SHAPE Federal Police/Community Police Office can provide a discreet watch of unoccupied houses in the vicinity of SHAPE, or pass your details to your local Police; you can request, ideally giving at least ten days notice, that they add your address to their patrol list.
POC: Police Inspector Couvreur
Bldg 247, SHAPE
Tel:065/44.47.16 or 065/44.92.31
Contact SHAPE Federal Police 24-hours a day by dialling 065/44. 33.34.
Home Security: Being Absent and Leaving Your House Unoccupied
A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured. There are numerous precautions you can take to protect your property, including:
• Do not leave access points open or unlocked, e.g. windows.
• Lock up valuable and attractive items, such as garden tools, bikes, barbecues, etc.
• Lock away ladders, etc.
• Lock garages and sheds.
• Trim hedges - untrimmed hedges or high fences provide cover for the burglar.
• Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your house and keep the front door clear of any deliveries.
Remember: Remove the Opportunity - Prevent the Burglary
A similar programme is also provided by the SHAPE International Police and SHAPE Federal Police for members residing on base; pass the details to the police desk (065/44.33.33).
Compiled in association with the SSO