Council Housing Crime

How we provide this service

If any tenant is a victim of a crime, such as homophobic crime, racist crime, or general crime, they should contact the Police, but also advise the Council of the problem. This service is is supported by Housing & Property Service Unit, Housing Operational.

What to do to get this service

It is likely that if a crime is perpetrated against a tenant whilst in their home, or whilst in the vicinity of their home, the person committing the crime may be in breach of their Conditions of Tenancy and it may be possible to either ensure that they do not repeat their actions or potentially that they could be evicted.

Another major crime is burglary. Most burglars are not master criminals. They're usually young men looking for an easy opportunity to get into a house without being seen.

Once they have been in and got away with it, they may be back again unless you do something. And there's lots you can do.

What to do to get this service continued

Outside

1. Walls and Fences
High fences are hard to climb, but they give a burglar cover once he's over. So keep them low. The best fences have a trellis on top
2. Lighting
Get an outdoor light with a sensor that comes on when someone's around.

Is Anybody Home?

1. Lights
You can get plug-in timers for your lamps - and timers for your ceiling lights. Don't just light up the hall. Fool a burglar by lighting up the landing, bathroom, bedroom and living room too.
2. Sound Advice
Use a plug-in timer for a radio - make it a talk station rather than music.
3. Curtains
Get a trusted neighbour to shut the curtains if you're away.

Help Yourself

1. Mortice Locks
Your front and back outside doors are thick enough for a five-lever mortice lock. Make sure it's British Safety Standard BS3621.
2. Window Locks
The best type for a wooden frame does not involve any of the window catches - it pulls the window onto the frame with a key. Fit two locks on a big window.
3. Double Glazing
The safest double glazing has bolts that shoot into the frame for extra security. Laminated glass is better than toughened because it stays in place when it's smashed - slowing a burglar down.
4. Patio Doors
Make these safer with a purpose-made lock or a security bar.
5. French Windows
If both parts of your French windows open, and you only fit a lock to one - the other is a weak point. Consider mortice bolts for the top and bottom of each door. Fit them into the frame - not the other door.
6. Keys
Keep spares with a neighbour, friend or relative - not in the house. And never leave keys in the door.
7. Dogs
Don't rely just on your dog to protect your home. Council tenants need permission to have dogs in certain types of property.
8. House Alarms
When alarms sound, most burglars grab what they can and run for it. Whichever type of alarm you choose, get a professional fit it.

Keep Them Out

1. Doorstep Crooks
Some criminals won't go to the trouble of breaking into your home if they can just knock and be invited in. But don't get it out of proportion - you've probably had many genuine callers at your front door and not one trickster. Bogus callers come in all shapes and sizes: young kids, pregnant women, and men.
2. Bogus officials
Water board officials never need to come into your home to test water pressure or repair leaks, even in emergencies. If they ever do need to get in they must send you a letter first making an appointment. Gas and electricity meter readers want you to check their identity before you let them in. If in doubt, ring up and check. Genuine callers don't mind this. Keep the phone numbers handy. Shut the door while you're checking - genuine callers don't mind! You could always join the password scheme so the meter reader gives you an arranged password when they call.
3. Look Before You Open
Always look to see who's at the door before you open.
4. Door Viewer
If your front door doesn't have glass, fit a spy-hole. Or get into the habit of looking through a window near the door to see who is calling.
5. Door Light
An outside light over the door will help you see a caller in the dark.
6. Door Chain
If you need to open the door to make further checks, use a door chain or similar device.

Remember..

• don't let people in until you know who they are
• keep the door locked while you check their story
• if you let someone in, stay with them all the time
• never part with money or other things, whatever they say
• If suspicious - ring the Police
• get more than one estimate for work
• official organisations usually write first
• check identity cards thoroughly
• don't let callers put pressure on you to let them in;
• If in doubt - Keep Them Out!

Further Information on this service

To get more information and make enquiries you can contact us by telephoning us, faxing us, emailing us, visiting our website, calling in at the council offices, and writing to us.

Please see the information below for contact information.

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Contact Details

If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.