How can I keep safe in my own home?

Your home should be a safe place. Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. In around 20 per cent of all burglaries they don't even have to use force. They enter through an open door or window.

Most callers to your home will be people you know, but you need to be careful when people you don't know call at your door. If you are unsure about the person at the door, do not let them in.

When people you don't know call at your door:

• Keep your front and back doors locked.
• Look to see who is at your front door, through the window or spy-hole
• Put a door chain on before opening the front door. If you don't have one, ask the caller to pass their ID card through the letterbox.

The callers might say they have come to check your electricity, water or gas meters. The callers might say they are from the council. Phone the company the caller works for. Find the number of the company in the phone book. Do not use the number on the ID card.

There are other steps you can take to keep your home safe such as:

• If you open the windows, keep them on the catch. Remember to close and lock them if you go out
• Leave a light on to give the impression there is someone at home. You can purchase timers from your local electronics shop.
• Do not keep large amounts of money at home. Put your money in a safe place like a bank or post office.
• Keep money and all important things away from windows. If there is a safe in your home, keep your important items in it.
• Write your postcode and door number on the back of your property.
• Purchase a UV pen (approx. £1). This is invisible to the naked eye. If stolen goods are recovered, the Police can shine a UV light on your property and see the post code.
• Never leave a spare key in a hiding place such as under the doormat or in a flowerpot - a thief will look there first.
• Never leave keys near or in a window or door.
• On leaving your home always lock all windows and doors.
• Never leave keys in the door lock especially the back doors.
• Be a good neighbour - if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the Police.
• Get in touch your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme or Safer Neighbourhoods - see what they're doing and how you can contribute.

For more information contact:

• Your local Crime Prevention Officer
  Your local Crime Prevention Officer will be able to give you advice and leaflets on making your home and your belongings secure. They are based at:
  East Ham Police Station
  4 High Street South
  East Ham
  London
  E6 6ES
  Tel: 020 8217 4351
  
  
• Safer Neighbourhood Teams
  These are police officers dedicated to your streets and are additional to other policing units in Newham. If you have concerns about day-to-day crime and disorder issues, or if you would like to get involved, please contact your local crime prevention officer 020 8217 4351.
  Crime Reduction - www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk (see all publications online)
  
  The Crime Reduction website offers practical advice and guidance on a range of topics related to improving crime reduction in your area.
  
  
• Crime Stoppers
  Anyone with information about crime should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that guarantees anonymity.
  
  
• Police - In an emergency always dial 999
  
  Download this information as a handy fact sheet.