Hi Everyone,
As we move into the summer months, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about the importance of home and vehicle security. There are many effective safety measures you can take to protect your property.
Ensure your door locks are tested to British Standards and meet the needs of your insurance company
Keep doors and windows locked – do not leave keys in locks
Consider installing an intruder alarm system which can be supplemented with CCTV and /or video doorbell. More information can be found on alarm systems and monitoring at www.nsi.org.uk or www.ssaib.org
If you have a safe, it should be securely fixed to the fabric of the building and suitable for the value of the contents. If in doubt speak to your insurer.
Fit and use outside security lights, either motion senor or dusk to dawn – which will come on automatically when it is dark
Keep hedges and trees trimmed so as not to provide cover for thieves
Ensure that fencing in the back garden is at least 6ft high and that you have lockable gates, so that persons cannot easily get access to rear gardens
Improve shed security using coach bolts / shed alarm, making sure tools and bikes are securely locked within
Do not post on social media that you are going on holiday and keep your holiday photos and updates for when you return home
Similarly, a few easy steps can go a long way in protecting your car too:
If you have a garage, secure the vehicle inside and lock the garage. Consider extending any house alarm to cover your garage
Be aware of Relay Theft: Criminals can clone the signal from keyless entry fobs which emit a traceable signal. Use a Faraday pouch to prevent this and routinely check it’s effectiveness
Disable Keyless Fob Signals: Some modern key fobs allow you to turn off the wireless signal when not in use. Check your vehicle’s manual to see if this feature is available
If using an app to lock your vehicle, always remove the vehicle keys and don’t leave them inside the car
Key programming is used to assign a new key to vehicles – so consider having an OBD lock guard professionally fitted to your vehicle
Consider using a ghost immobiliser so your car only starts when you enter a PIN
Double check: Listen out for the sound of your doors locking, lights flashing and/or mirrors closing
Leaving items on show is an invitation – Mobile phones, electronic equipment, coins, sunglasses, tools and bags should be removed
Use a steering wheel lock and/ or a lock that fits over the gear lever/clutch pedal
Fit a tracker: These devices can alert you when your car is active and if it’s travelling in a new area
If you are considering purchasing any security products, Police Scotland would recommend that they are certified by www.securedbydesign.com or www.soldsecure.com
For further advice about security, please visit our website: Advice – Police Scotland or contact the Crime Prevention Team via edinburghpreventandintervent@scotland.police.uk
If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your property or vehicle, please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved.
Please call 999 in an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 for non-emergency, to report the matter to the police.
