Staying safe and secure

This section aims to give some advice about how to feel safer in your own home and when you are out and about.

Securing your home

For more information about securing your home, please click here

• Always ensure that your doors and windows are locked when not in use
• It can only take a split second for a burglar to enter a house. Even if you are only in the garden or just popping out for a few minutes, it is important not to let them have easy access
• Do not leave keys visable through windows or the letterbox. Leaving your door key on a table by the front door puts it in reach of a burglar who can use a stick to fish it through the letterbox
• Don't leave a spare key under the mat or under a plant pot - it's an obvious place to look
• Make sure that doors are fitted with a five lever mortice lock and a separate deadlock. Locks should conform to British Standard BS3621
• Security bolts and door chains are also a good idea
• If you are out in the evening, or when it is dark, leave a light on (perhaps in the hall) to make it look as if there is someone at home. You could even leave the radio or television on if you are only out for a short while
• Make sure that any sheds, garages and outbuildings are locked securely
• Ladders and tools left unsecured can aid an opportunistic burglar gain entry to your property
• Ensure that you have good insurance cover for your home (if you own it) and the contents
• Don't keep large amounts of cash at home

If you are going to be away from home for a length of time (perhaps a holiday or a planned stay in hospital), make sure that you have remembered to cancel the milk and newspapers. Do not leave lights on during the day - you can use a timer - and do not keep the curtains closed. Although it might seem like a good idea, it may look obvious that there is nobody at home.

Staying safe in your home

• If someone you do not know or trust knocks at your door always make sure that you are confident who they are before you let them in or give them any information
• Use a door chain or look through a front window or peep hole to see who is at the door before you answer it
• Staff from councils, energy providers, phone companies and any reputable care provider (such as Care UK) will always carry photographic ID which you should always check. On the ID card you will find a telephone number. You can call this to authenticate who they are and why they are visiting your home. Keep the door closed or on the chain whilst you identify who they are. If necessary, ask them to post their ID through the letterbox
• If you go to open the front door, make sure that any other external doors are locked. Occasionally someone might knock on the front door and, whilst you are distracted, an accomplice could be breaking in around the back
• If someone knocks at your door trying to sell you something that you do not want tell them and be firm
• Do not agree to any sales or home repairs without seeking independent advice first. Never hand over any money at the door
• If you are concerned about who is on your doorstep, close and lock the door and call for help. You could call a friend, neighbour or relative on the telephone, or if you feel that you are in danger you should dial 999 and ask for the police

At all times, if you are concerned or suspicious, dial 999 and ask for the police

For more information about securing your home, please click here

Staying safe when out and about

• Never take any unecessary risks
• If you are out in the evening or at night, only use well lit areas and only walk around alone if it is absolutely necessary
• Keep your valuables out of sight and avoid putting cash on display
• Spread your valuables across different pockets or bags
• Take care at cash points (ATMs) and make sure nobody is lurking nearby
• If there is an option to use a cash point inside a bank, take it
• Never share your PIN with anyone else and always take care to keep it hidden as you enter it into a cash machine or chip and pin card reader in a shop
• If you think you are being followed or you do not feel safe, keep walking towards other people and ask for help. If you feel in danger dial or ask someone else to dial 999 and ask for the police 
• Keep your handbag closed with the flap facing into your body
• Keep your wallet in a front pocket rather than in your back pocket

If someone tries to take your belongings, let them. Your safety is more important than your possessions.

• If you are travelling on a bus try to sit at the front near the driver. If you are using a tube or train, try and sit near other people
• If you feel uncomfortable at any point whilst travelling on public transport, tell a member of staff if possible, a fellow passenger, or if it is safe to do so, leave the train and call for help
• Plan your route before you set off

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