Practical ideas to prevent Break and Enter Incidents

Preventing break and enter crimes requires a combination of community engagement, environmental design, and security measures. 

Here are some practical ideas to help prevent break-ins into residences and or vehicles within the local area and community:

1. Neighbourhood Watch Programs:

• Establish or join a local neighbourhood watch program to encourage community members to look out for one another.
• Foster communication and information sharing among residents regarding suspicious activities.

2. Community Awareness Campaigns:

• Conduct awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of security and crime prevention.
• Distribute pamphlets or use local social media to share tips on securing homes and being vigilant.
• Encourage residents to attend safety and security information sessions conducted by police/NHW/security entities

3. Good Street & Property Lighting:

• Ensure well-lit streets and public spaces, as proper lighting can deter criminal activities.
• Report and advise the local Electricity supply provider of any faulty street lights and/or unlit areas.
• Encourage residents to install exterior motion lights to detect any activity on resident’s property during the night.

4. Trimmed Landscaping:

• Maintain clear visibility around homes by keeping trees and bushes trimmed.
• Avoid providing hiding spots for potential intruders, especially near windows and exterior doors.
• Report overgrown trees and bushes on streets or common ground that restrict effective lighting.

5. Home Security Audits:

• Offer free or discounted home security audits for residents to identify vulnerabilities in their homes through a sponsor/security arrangement.
• Provide recommendations for improving door/window locks, lighting, and overall security.

6. CCTV Installation:

• Encourage the installation of CCTV cameras on homes and public spaces.
• Work with local authorities to implement a program where residents can receive incentives for installing security cameras.

7. Secure Doors and Windows:

• Promote the use of solid doors with deadbolt locks and reinforced frames.
• Encourage the installation of security film or screens on windows to make them more resistant to break-ins.
• Promote the installation of keyed window locks on all windows

8. Vehicle Security:

• Promote the habit of vehicle parking in well-lit areas within the property.
• Install security motion lighting to cover vehicles.
• Encourage the installation of vehicle alarms and dashboard security flashing lights to deter vehicle break-ins.
• Promote the installation of keyed locks on all trade tool boxes

9. Property Marking:

• Encourage residents to mark their valuable possessions with unique identifiers.
• Work with local law enforcement to provide tools or services for property marking.

10. Social Media Awareness:

• Educate residents about the potential risks of sharing vacation plans or expensive purchases on social media.
• Promote responsible social media usage to minimize the risk of being targeted.
• Discourage live information on holiday or vacation images on public sites

11. Police Patrols and Presence:

• Collaborate with local law enforcement to encourage increased police patrols in the area.
• Establish a visible police presence in the community to deter criminal activity.

12. Secure Community Facilities:

• Ensure that local community facilities (parks, community centres, etc.) are secure and well-maintained to prevent them from becoming attractive targets.
• Ensure Shared apartment buildings have well-maintained security devices, security lighting and safeguards to deter intruders from entering the property at all times.

13. Emergency Contact Information:

• Maintain an updated list of emergency contact information for residents.
• Encourage residents to report suspicious activities promptly.
• Encourage residents to exchange phone numbers with trusted street neighbours for emergency use.

Remember, the key to effective crime prevention is a collaborative effort involving residents, local authorities, and community organizations. Regular communication, engagement and regular review are essential for creating a safer neighbourhood.