Neighbourhood Watch (start your own local scheme)
Although England is a pretty safe country in comparison to some, it does have higher crime than many other countries (Switzerland’s murder rate is around 45 people per year, compared to 600 in England and Wales).
Lack of funding for our police is one factor, but there are many ways to help our police forces, which don’t involve money.
Create Neighbourhood Watch schemes (this is where groups look out for each other in communities, reporting odd behaviour). The site has good crime prevention advice.
Burglary Prevention Tips
Most police work is for so-called ‘minor crimes’, although having your house ransacked does not feel like a minor crime. But there are simple steps that can deter burglars:
- Place ladders, bins and rubble, out of sight.
- Buy quality locks for doors, gates and bikes.
- Don’t leave items in view from windows.
- Live simply (so you don’t have expensive jewels to steal).
- Mark items of value with security marks.
- Use a reputable burglar alarm like Verisure
- Don’t tell people on social media, if you go away.
Other Tips for Safer Communities
- Report crimes (including anonymously) including rural/wildlife crime
- Ask the police for help from a Designing Out Crime Officer
- Install emergency call points to let people report areas they feel unsafe. Calls can be anonymous (people with hearing or speech impediments can pre-register, to call by text).
- Employ Special Constables: These are volunteers who patrol parks, schools and shops, and can step in, before situations escalate.
