Dear Residents

To "beat the burglar,"

West Midlands Police recommends focusing on three main areas: physical security, property visibility, and forensic marking. 

1. Secure the Physical Entry Points 

Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity through insecure doors and windows. 

• The "Lift, Lock, Remove" Rule: For uPVC doors, remember to lift the handle to engage the multi-locking system, turn the key, and remove it from the lock.

• Double-Locking: Always double-lock doors when leaving, even for a few minutes.

• Secondary Security: Use deadbolts on exterior doors and sash stops on windows to prevent them from being opened far enough to climb through. 

2. Manage Your Home's Visibility

Burglars look for homes where they can work without being seen. 

• The 1-Metre Rule: Keep front hedges, fences, and walls no higher than one metre to maintain clear views from the street.

• Boundary Protection: Use taller fencing (two metres) at the rear and side, topped with trellis or prickly plants to act as "nature’s barbed wire".

• Lighting: Use dusk-to-dawn low-level white lighting at the front and rear to eliminate dark hiding spots. 

3. Protect Your Belongings

• WIDEN Your Security: Use the WIDEN approach (Windows, Interior lights, Doors, Exterior lights, Neighbours) which is proven to provide up to 50 times more protection.

• Forensic Marking: Use police-approved solutions like SmartWater or UV pens to mark valuables with your postcode and house number.

• Key Security: Hide car keys and handbags away from letterboxes and cat flaps to prevent "fishing". 

4. Be a Good Neighbour

• Neighbourhood Watch: Join your local Neighbourhood Watch to keep an eye on each other's properties.

• Appear Occupied: If you are out, use timer switches for indoor lights and radios to create the impression that someone is home. 

Many Thanks

LPA - Dudley Central Team 2

‘Working in partnership, making communities safer’