Home Security Alert

Police are warning car and home owners to be more security aware after a series of thefts over the weekend in Aberdeen.

North East Division Crime Reduction Officer, PC Mark Irvine said:

"Taking some basic safety security steps can prevent you from being the victim of crime. We live in a relatively low crime area, but cannot afford to forget basic security."

• When going out, always lock doors and windows (and double-check them by hand that they're definitely locked). Likewise at bed time, get into a routine of locking and checking all car, shed, garage and house doors and windows in a similar fashion
• Don’t leave car keys hanging just inside your doors on full display, simple tip, take them with you them into your bedroom when you go to sleep!
• Never leave items on show in your car as an invitation – Mobile phones, electronic equipment, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing, bags and any other valuables should be removed from the vehicle or placed in the boot.
• When going out, don't leave keys under flower pots or in the garage. Make other arrangements if they're shared keys or fit a Secured By Design Key Safe to your home where it can't easily be seen from the street
• Consider the lighting around the outside of your home. Ideally, there should be enough security lights covering approaches to your home (not just the pathways) which are fitted with motion sensors which then activate the lights when a body approaches. These lights should be fitted to high enough get a good light spread and to put them out of reach of prowlers who may try to damage them. If this is not possible, consider having security cages fitted over the lights
• Most modern windows are well protected by being double-glazed, locking units with the beading on the inside but never leave keys on the inside or door or window locks, especially patio or French doors. Take the keys out of the locks and keep them handy, but out of sight, in case they're needed
• Report any suspicious behaviour in your street to Police Scotland via the non-emergency 101 number or, in the case of emergency, use the 999 system

Comprehensive crime prevention advice can be obtained from your local policing team by telephoning 101 or contacting your local Crime Prevention Officer by emailing:

NorthEastCrimeReduction@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Original Message Sent By Mark Irvine (Police Scotland, Constable, A Div - Grampian)