Bamford & Norden Nov 2017

A MESSAGE FROM
YOUR LOCAL POLICE FORCE
The community policing team for Norden, Bamford
& Castleton wish to inform residents as we enter the
longer nights about the elevated risk of burglary.
While the risk of being a victim of burglary is low, as
autumn nights draw in there is a notable seasonal
increase in the number of burglary offences that
occur and we wish to provide basic home security
advice to enable residents to target harden their
homes. If you have previously been a victim of
burglary, statistically, you are at higher risk of being
a victim a 2nd time if you don’t target harden your
property.
AROUND YOUR HOME
Make sure all your windows, doors, side gates and
outbuildings are securely locked.
Ensure your burglar alarm and CCTV systems are in
good working order and switched on.
Leave some lights switched on whenever you go
out in the evening and overnight while you are in
bed. Light timers are a great way to make it look like
someone is present in the address.
Let your neighbours know if you’re going to be out,
so they can keep an eye on your property.
EXTERNAL DOORS AND WINDOWS
Locks depend on the quality of wood in the door and
frame. Consider getting a builder or joiner to secure
the door frame to the brickwork before fitting any
extra locks.
Mortise locks add extra protection to your doors.
Choose locks that conform to British Standards
(BS3621) - or one that has at least five levers.
Check the door is thick enough to accept the lock
and keep its strength. Speak to a qualified locksmith
for advice.
Mortise bolts are useful, but not suitable on doors
you regularly use to leave your house.
Patio doors can be protected by fitting
purpose-made locks or a security bar. Talk to a
locksmith for advice.
French windows: the lock securing one door into
the other is only as strong as the door. Fit mortise
bolts to the top and bottom of each opening door.
Bolts should be fitted to go into the frame - not the
other door.
Transparent window film on large glass doors offers
and additional layer of protection making entry
harder if the glass is smashed.
Window locks that pull the window into the frame
with a key are normally stronger.
Double glazing: check that it’s not just the handle
that stops a window from opening. You should need
a key to unlock the window. Look for the following
British Standards when choosing double glazing:
BS 7950 (security performance); BS 7412 (window
performance).
WINDOW SHOCK ALARMS
Window Shock Alarms are low cost devices that
attach to windows or glass and sound on vibration
which is usually enough to deter potential burglars.
PROTECTING YOUR CARS
Whenever you leave your vehicle, make sure its
doors, windows, boot and sunroof are secure.
Physically check the doors have locked after you
have used a remote fob.
If you have one always lock your car away in a
garage.
Do not leave valuables in your car such as
sunglasses, wallets, handbags etc.
Make sure your car keys are not within view or reach
of the letterbox. Hook and cane burglars have taken
keys for vehicles without causing any damage.
HOMEWATCH SCHEMES
Keeping an eye out for each other is the best way to
prevent crime and homewatch schemes are an easy
way to share information to keep your community
safe.
Your local PCSO’s can help you set up a homewatch
scheme - just contact us via email at
rochdalenorth@gmp.police.uk
For further guidance regarding crime prevention and
other useful information visit the GMP website at
www.gmp.police.uk
20358 Karen Ladyko
Operational Support Officer
Rochdale North Neighbourhood
Rochdale Police Station
The Esplanade
Rochdale
Tel: 0161 856 8549
Email: 20358@gmp.police.uk
POLICE CONTACT NUMBERS
In an emergency you should always call 999.
Please call 101 to report a non emergency incident or to make an enquiry or alternatively
contact your local neighbourhood policing team on 0161 856 9961.