Dear residents,
The theft of jewellery can be very distressing for the victim and family members. Not only is there a financial implication, but there is often sentiment attached to jewellery that may have been gifted and the loss can never be replaced.
Below is some advice on how you can protect your property:
Storage
- Try not to keep gold/jewellery at home if at all possible. Be aware that thieves will always search the bedroom, behind bath panels, loft, under floor boards etc. Consider keeping your gold and jewellery in a safety deposit box. There are specialist companies who can provide this service, speak to your bank or insurance company for more information.
- If you prefer to keep valuable items at home, ensure they are stored in a safe that complies with your insurers required standard. Ensure any safe is anchored to a substantial surface (brick wall or cement floor) and fitted according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Think about storing valuables separately, have more than 1 safe but ensure each is protected adequately.
- Approved and tested security products awarded Police preferred specification can be found by visiting www.securedbydesign.com
Home security
- For advice on improving home security such as window and door locks, contact an approved locksmith registered with the Master Locksmith’s Association on www.locksmiths.co.uk
- Monitored intruder detector alarms with additional panic buttons, CCTV (including video doorbells) and security lighting can all offer additional layers of protection to your home. Security companies accredited by NSI or SSAIB can advise on the most suitable products to meet your needs. For more information visit: www.ssaib.org or www.nsi.org.uk
- Use only reputable trades people in your home, do not be tempted by cheap labour.
- For more information visit: Crime prevention advice | Cheshire Constabulary
Record and register items
- Photograph all jewellery on a plain surface with a ruler next to it – so we can appeal if it is stolen and use pictures for enquiries. Store the photographs in more than one place.
- Register your property for free at www.immobilise.com
- Consider forensic property marking for jewellery, enabling the jewellery to be linked to you and returned on recovery. Always take specialist advice prior to marking expensive and/or irreplaceable items. You can find more information on forensic property marking systems on www.securedbydesign.com
- Ensure an adequate level of insurance policy is held for your home and all possessions.
Communication
- Be aware that religious symbols can identify a potential target for an offender.
- Offenders often trawl through social media to identify and target a victim. Be mindful of what you and your family post and when you post it.
- Utilise community Social Media Groups / Neighbourhood Watch schemes to share information.
- Community Vigilance – Report suspicious activity however insignificant it may seem. Does it look out of the ordinary?
- If you are a victim, call 101 non emergency and 999 if the crime is in progress or you feel you are in immediate danger. Provide the operator with your exact location and the registrations of any vehicles used by the offenders.
