Important tips on how to keep yourself and your belongings safe
• Edinburgh is a safe place to work, live and visit. By taking a few precautions and looking out for the more vulnerable sectors of society, you can make a major contribution to reducing further criminal behaviour in your local community. • Look out for yourself and your neighbours, especially the vulnerable and elderly. If you are suspicious contact the Police. Where possible give a full a description of the persons or vehicles involved. |
Garden shed/garage security
Garden sheds and garages are favourites of thieves. They are usually relatively easy to break in to and are often used to store valuable property – such as push bikes and power tools.
You can make life more difficult for thieves and protect your property by taking a few simple steps:
- never leave a garden shed or garage unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house
- use a good quality padlock on your shed door – strong hinges should be attached using robust bolts rather than screws
- keep valuable items in the house – if they must stay in the shed, chain and lock them up
- loop a bike lock through the handles of garden forks, spades – these can be used to force entry to your house
- security mark your bicycles, lawnmowers, toolboxes and garden furniture, by engraving, painting or using a security marker pen
- fit an internal wire mesh grille to protect your shed window
- install security lighting in your garden
- fit a shed alarm – these only cost a few pounds from most DIY retailers.
Be aware of bogus workmen
Spring time is the favourite time of year for ‘cold callers’ or bogus workmen to knock on our doors.
Be aware of unannounced callers who “happen to be working in the area”, who say you have some loose slates or ask “to check your water/electricity”.
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What do they look like?
They are plausible people, dressing and talking in such a way as to inspire confidence.
Most bogus callers will call during the day – times that you would expect workmen and service providers to call. Fraudulent charity collectors may call at various times.
Who are their victims?
Usually the more vulnerable in society.
What do they want?
Cash and valuables. Don’t keep large amounts of cash in the house or leave valuables in view.
What should you do?
Make sure your front and back doors are locked. Some will distract you at the front door, while a colleague gains access to the rear.
Ask who it is BEFORE opening the door. If possible use your door viewer or window to see who is calling.
Insist on seeing identification and confirm the caller’s identity. If necessary contact the company to check, getting the telephone number from the phone book.
If the visit is unexpected and you are unsure or don’t want to speak to the caller, don’t open the door. Remember, if in doubt, keep them out.
Dealing with tradesmen
Most reputable companies do not operate in this manner. Don’t let any casual caller do work on your property, for example roofing, driveways or gardening.
Get written quotes before accepting any offer of work. Pay any contractor by cheque or credit/debit card. NEVER go to the bank or cash machine with them.
Care and Repair is a registered charity that offers help to people over 60 or with disabilities with house repairs, improvements and small household tasks. Call them on 0131 220 7630.
If you see a crime being committed and it is an emergency or urgent Police assistance is required, call 999. For all other calls to the Police, please call 0131 311 3131.
If you have any information regarding a crime you can give this anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.