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| Thames Valley Police have received a number of reported burglaries across Milton Keynes, during the evening of Thursday 3rd November 2022, whereby jewellery has been targeted.
Crime Prevention Advice for Jewellery Theft The Dwelling Do not leave valuables on display so they can be seen from the outside. The police have previously advised householders to install a home safe in which to keep gold and Jewellery, however, following cases in which homes have been ransacked and safes ripped out, they are now very clearly saying “don’t keep gold in your home”. The difficulty here is that the alternative of using a commercial safety deposit box facility is not always available locally, however if you can access one, it is strongly recommended. Some families are not happy to keep gold / jewellery away from them. If the above applies invest in a good quality safe, which complies with official insurance rating standards. Check with your insurance company to find out what is acceptable to them. A Home Office websiite www.securedbydesign.com lists approved security products. Remember to secure any safe to a solid floor or solid wall (preferably both). Remember to lock all your doors and windows when you leave your home unattended Consider using time switches for lights if you are away from home. Use of LED bulbs will not be a drain on your electricity bill. Install burglar alarms and CCTV as a deterrent. Many companies have new tech security gadgets which allow the homeowner to monitor every corner of their property with a video door bell and stick up cameras around the house, devices have built-in microphones and speakers, so that you can hear and speak to anyone on your property at any time through your phone app. Ensure that you have good window and door security and use it – double lock uPVC doors using the keys as well as lifting the handle even if just going out briefly. Don’t be tricked in letting offenders in. Always check callers before opening the door and if you are not sure, don’t open the door. Try to restrict any access to the rear of your property. If you have a gate, ensure that it is in good condition and securely fixed to the wall or post. Always lock it when not in use. Consider installing security lights to cover both the front and rear of the property. These should be either on motion detectors or dusk to dawn lights. Be aware of strangers or strange vehicles in your area. If you see anything unusual, odd or suspicious take a description and vehicle registration number and contact your local police. The Jewellery Take photographs of each piece of valuable gold or jewellery and include a written description. This will help in appealing for information and returning it to you if it is stolen. Use a traceable liquid to mark your belongings such as Smartwater®, a traceable liquid that allows you to mark your gold and jewellery with a unique forensic code. The Secured by Design web site “http://www.securedbydesign.com” www.securedbydesign.com provides more information on property marking products. Ensure that all of your jewellery is adequately covered by your insurance and that you have an agreed valuation. Personal Safety When wearing jewellery in public, be cautious and discreet to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Consider wearing a scarf or something similar to cover your neckline, and long sleeve coats to cover the wrists. Always travel to and from your celebration in a group using well-lit streets. Try to avoid walking alone. If you drive, keep your car locked and remember where it is parked. Getting a taxi? Use a valid taxi service or online cab checker to confirm it is licensed. You can send the registration number to a friend so that they know which car you’ve got in If you are leaving or arriving at a Safety Deposit Box property, ensure to be vigilant and always go with another family member. Secure jewellery /coins in a closed bag. |
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| Message Sent By Arlene Ormston (Police, PCSO, Milton Keynes) |
