We want to stress again here that Rutland is a very safe place to live and work, there are however always things that you can do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. Below is some basic crime prevention advice, should you need more detailed advice about a particular subject please contact the Community Safety Officer

Don't make your home an easy target for burglars.

Many burglaries are crimes of opportunity. A burglar only needs to spot an open window, unlocked side gate or dodgy alarm to make their move. Think about it - if you know your home security looks poor, so will a thief. Statistics show that properties with little security are 15 times more likely to be burgled than those with good security.

The good news is that it does not take much to secure your house - and put off thieves. Here are a list of tips.

SAFETY CHECKLIST

• Check all the doors and windows are locked - even if you are just popping out for a minute


• Fit deadlocks to all outside doors. Burglars hate them because you need a key to open them from the inside as well as the outside.
• Fit key-operated locks to all the windows. Burglars do not like having to break glass because of the noise it makes and the risk of leaving forensic evidence.
• Install a visible burglar alarm and turn it on!
• Do not leave spare keys hidden outside, or in the garage or shed.Leave lights on and the radio on a timer for the evening so that it looks like someone is in.
• Make sure your garden is secure with good fencing, a padlocked side gate if applicable. Ensure your shed is locked at all times.
• Make sure the TV, video and other valuables can not be seen from the window.
• Make sure there is no cash lying around.
• Close your curtains and leave a light on if out when it is dark.

Fire Safety

Make sure your new security measures (such as window locks) do not block your escape route - and that you can get out of the house as quickly as possible. Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly. Make sure you have an escape plan and that everyone in your household knows it.

Home Security Tip 1 - Insurance - get it or regret it!

Getting insurance is cheaper than paying out a small fortune to replace your stolen belongings. At least get cover for your most valuable possessions such as your computer, TV and jewellry. Remember: if you don't lock your house, your insurance may not cover you.

Home Security Tip 2 - Mark Your Property

Mark important and expensive possessions (such as your laptop or MP3 Player) with your postcode and house number using a special security marker. Keep a record of the make, model and serial numbers of all your electrical equipment for reference too.

Drive down vehicle crime

Vehicle crime has actually fallen by over 30% during the last five years. Even so, there are still more than 2 million vehicle-related thefts each year, and a lot of them could be prevented. Here's how.

To outwit the thief

• Rule number 1: Always keep your car locked. This includes closing the sunroof and windows, even if you only leave it for a few seconds. That's all it takes for a criminal to steal your car or belongings.


• Rule number 2: Do not leave anything in your car, particularly when it's parked overnight. 68% of thefts of and from vehicles happen when they are parked outside the homes.
• Rule number 3: Park with care. Park in busy or well-lit areas near CCTV cameras, or in police-approved car parks (look out for 'ParkMarkTM' on signs if possible. You can find out which car parks are approved at www.saferparking.com.
• Always chain bikes, motorbikes and scooters to something fixed like security rails and ground anchors.

Secure your car

Fact! You are more than twice as likely to have your vehicle broken into than stolen. On average, that means paying out £100 - just for the repairs.

Never leave the keys in the ignition,not even in a garage when you are paying for petrol.

Don't leave anything on display (even when you are parked in your driveway). That includes a jacket on the back seat, loose change in the ashtray, a wallet in the glove compartment or mail with your address on it under the seat. Remember: thieves know all the usual hiding places!

Fit a stereo with a removable front panel (also known as a fascia) and take it with you when you leave the car.

Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car. Hide them at home but not by the door. Thieves will use a hook and cane through the letterbox to steal car keys from hall tables.

Get a professionally fitted car alarm or a Thatcham-approved electronic immobiliser ( you can find an approved installer through the Vehicle Systems Installation Board at www.vsib.co.uk), or you can use a steering lock on older cars.

Have your car's registration number etched onto all glass surfaces, including windscreen and headlamps.

When you are driving, keep doors locked and windows up, especially in slow traffic. Keep bags and mobile phones out of view. A thief can lean in and steal what's on your passenger seat in the time it takes for a red light to turn green.

If you're leaving your car put your shopping or anything else in the boot if you can not take it with you.

Secure your bicycle

Fact! Over 100,000 bikes are stolen every year.

Buy a good quality lock because chains can be easily cut. D-locks or combination locks are best, but a good bicycle shop or DIY store can advise you. You could even use two locks for extra security (and to make thieves think it's not worth trying to steal your bike).

Always lock both wheels and keep the lock off the ground. This makes it harder to break.

Take away any extras like lights and helmets.

Have your bike frame security-marked with your name and postcode.

Secure your motorbike and scooter

Fact!Motorbikes are popular targets for thieves because they can be sold easily or broken up for parts which are harder to trace.

Put a steering lock on and use a strong steell cable or D-lock to attach your bike to security rails or ground anchors.

Get a professionally fitted combined alarm and immobiliser (you can find an approved installer through the vehicle systems and installation board www.vsib.co.uk).

If you've got a garage, use it. Or cover your motorbike or scooter when you are not using it.

Most callers are probably quite genuine but some are not - that is why it is important to take precautions when people call at your home.Genuine callers will normally make an appointment first and will carry identification with their photograph on.

1. Check to see who it is by using the spyhole if you have one or look through a front window.
2. Always put the chain on before opening the door. If you don't have a chain it is a good idea to get one as they don't cost much. For reasons of fire safety only put on the chain as you open the door, don't keep it on all the time.
3. Look at their clothing, some officials have a unform bearing their name or a company symbol.
4. If you don't know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully and keep the chain on whilst you do so.
5. Some public utility services operate a password system - contact your local branch to find out more.
6. If you are still not sure ask the caller to come back later. You can then check their story by ringing the organisation - look up the number in your own book don't use the number they gave you.
7. Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs, beware of one distracting you while the other steals your property.
8. If you have any suspicions at all don't let them in

Keep your doors and windows locked. Before opening the door, stop. Are you expecting anyone? Are the back door and windows locked so no-one can sneak in?

Keep safe on the move

You hear about people having their bag snatched or their mobile phone stolen. In fact, the chances of it happening to you or your family are low and there are plenty of things you can do to make it even less likely.

What you can do:

• Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Keep it zipped up and make sure you wallet or purse can not be seen. Don't carry large amounts of cash.


• Spread your possessions about - for example keep your mobile phone separate from your purse, and your keys separate from your credit card.
• Cover up any expensive jewellry and, if you must carry other valuables, be discreet. Talking on your mobile, wearing headphones or carrying a laptop all show thieves you have things worth taking.
• Have your house keys ready so you can get in the front door quickly - and carry them on you, not in your bag.
• If you are in a wheelchair or on a bike or pushing a pram, keep your bags where you can see them.Think about your route, especially if you're going to be on your own or carrying lots of shopping bags.

Your credit cards

Follow this anti-theft advice
Keep your cards separate from your PIN number.

Never let them out of your sight or pass on your PIN number.

Don't leave them behind the bar or counter. Staff could copy your details.

ATMs (cash machines)
If you need to use cash machines, do so during the day and use machines inside banks if you can. If not choose ones on a busy street with good lighting. Cover the keyboard with your free hand so that no-one can see the number you enter. If someone starts distracting you or stands close by, cancel the transaction and walk away. If you have withdrawn any cash, put it away immediately.

If your credit cards are stolen, call your bank or credit card company to cancel them immediately. Don't even wait until you get home. You should find a 24-hour emergency number on your statement and on some cash machines.

Your mobile

If your phone is stolen, it's bad enough that it's expensive to replace. There's also the hassle of losing all those stored numbers, messages, pictures and downloads. So how can you protect your phone?

Don't leave your phone on tables in pubs or restaurants and try not to use it in a crowded place.
Avoid using your phone near a tube or train station or when getting on or off the bus. Wait until you are further away from the stop or station.
If you need to make a call in public, make it brief and keep an eye out for those around you. Remember, if you're chatting you're less likely to be aware of what's going on around you.
Don't walk while you're sending text messages.
Always ask yourself,"Is it safe to answer my phone right now?"
Regsiter your phone with your network operator. This means they can block calls if your phone is stolen so the thief can't use it. You can also register your mobile equipment on www.immobilise.com or a similar property register.
Record your registration number (also known as the IMEI or the International Mobile Equipment identity number) and phone number. Keep these numbers separate and safe. You can find your IMEI number (15 digits) by keying *#06# into most phones or by looking underneath the phone battery.
If your phone is stolen, report it to your network operator (or call 08701 123 123) and to the police. Your phone can be blocked, just like a stolen credit card. Once blocked, it cannot be used again.

Your Computer: three must do's

Thieves love computers. As well as the money they might get from selling them, computers often contain personal information (such as bank details) that criminals can use to commit fraud. Following these steps will make sure your computer is more secure.

1. Keep it hidden
Lock your computer in a cabinet or cupboard when you're not using it. Use security screws and bolts to make it harder for thieves to open the casing to steal parts (but check with the manufacturer that this does not affect any guarentee first). If you need to carry a laptop around with you, don't draw attention to it. Put it in a rucksack rather than a computer case.

2. Make sure your private information stays private
Keep PINs, passwords and personal finanical information safe. Don't send your bank details by email or store them on your computer.

3. Be secure
Back up all your work regularly and always keep memory sticks separate from your computer so that you have proof of copyright and a copy of your files. If you're ordering goods over the internet, make sure the company has a secure server. You will know the site is secure if you see a padlock at the bottom right of the screen.