News

Case Study: Supporting Antrim & Newtownabbey PCSP’s Crime Prevention & Community Safety Campaign

27 Nov 2025 13:12:39

Like many areas across Northern Ireland, burglary and property-related crime is a concern for residents in Antrim & Newtownabbey. According to PSNI crime statistics (published September 2025), there were 581 recorded theft-related offences in the borough during the financial year to date. These figures include 65 burglaries and 10 reported bike thefts, equating to a property theft rate of 3.9 per 1,000 population.

Identifying the Problem and Opportunity

The Antrim & Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) identified that many households were vulnerable due to limited awareness of simple but effective crime prevention practices—such as marking valuables, registering them, and adopting basic home security measures.

Rather than relying solely on advice and awareness campaigns, the PCSP saw an opportunity to empower residents with practical resources—like Immobilise Property Marking Kits and Home Inventory Packs—to support behaviour change and improve overall community resilience.

Community Crime Prevention Approach

Following consultations with local communities and training on crime prevention methods, the PCSP implemented a multifaceted approach. This included:

• Delivering training on effective messaging around security
• Relaunching the Community Safety Wardens Scheme to provide a visible presence and support local engagement
• Distributing practical tools during public events, joint patrols, and outreach programmes

PCSP at a Freshers Rural event at Greenmount College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise in Antrim

Targeted areas of concern

Town centres and high-density areas were among the locations most affected by theft and burglary, with older properties (often lacking modern security features) being particularly vulnerable.

The campaign focused on engaging the following groups:

• Residents in burglary-prone neighbourhoods
• Vulnerable households, including the elderly and those with disabilities
• Community groups
• Local retailers, landlords and educational facilities
• New housing developments, where security infrastructure is often less robust

Rural communities were reached during the PCSP’s dedicated “Rural Crime Week” initiative.

The Solution: Utilise Immobilise crime prevention resources

To address these challenges, the PCSP chose Immobilise security kits to allow residents to mark and register their valuables, making them less attractive to thieves and easier to return to owners if they’re recovered following theft.

Image shows: Immobilise security resources: Make Your Mark Leaflet, UV pen, UV light and a tamper-evident warning label.

PCSP Statement

“The PCSP is pleased to have supported the purchase and use of Immobilise property marking and registration products as part of our recent crime prevention initiative. These tools provide residents with a simple but effective way to secure their belongings, increasing the chances of recovery and deterring opportunistic theft. The PSNI’s ability to access the Immobilise database enhances the potential for reuniting owners with stolen property. By providing practical tools alongside community training, we are building safer communities by reducing opportunities for crime.”

Deployment of Kits and Campaign Materials

Immobilise kits and informational leaflets were distributed through multiple channels to maximise reach:

• Crime prevention training sessions – Provided to local police officers, community representatives, and residents
• Community engagement events – Including “stroll patrols,” PSNI/PCSP joint outreach, and targeted door drops
• Education settings – Distributed at schools, colleges, and community centres
• Neighbourhood Watch networks – Supporting residents’ through Neighbourhood Watch Schemes

Students taking Immobilise Make Your Mark security packs at Greenmount College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise in Antrim.

Early Success Indicators

As the campaign progresses, several evaluation methods are being used to assess impact, including:

• Resident surveys and informal feedback on increased confidence and behavioural change (e.g., improved home security habits)
• Monitoring reductions in burglary and theft in targeted areas
• Tracking the number of registered stolen items recovered via the Immobilise database
• Assessing changes in local crime perception

PSNI Crime Prevention Officer Comments

“Property marking is a well-established and effective crime prevention measure. Immobilise provides a unique identification method for personal and business property, reducing its appeal to thieves and supporting police investigations. The PSNI continues to encourage all residents to consider property marking as a key part of their crime prevention strategy.”

PCSP representatives distribute Immobilise kits to students to secure laptops, phones, bikes, and personal belongings at the North Regional College Freshers’ Fair (18 September 2025)

Future Outlook

The PCSP plans to extend and repeat the campaign in identified crime hotspots and areas with lower initial engagement. Future developments include:

• Expanding the initiative through schools and partnerships with housing associations
• Increasing the visibility of Immobilise kits via local businesses and community events
• Promoting property registration through digital channels, including council websites and social media
• Training local “crime prevention champions” to assist others with kit use and registration
• Fully utilising established networks such as Neighbourhood Watch for kit distribution and awareness

Are you involved in community safety or crime reduction initiatives?

We’re here to help. Get in touch to discuss how Immobilise can support your work: support@immobilise.com

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Liverpool Student Homes Partners With Merseyside Police And City Safe To Help Students Secure Their Belongings

03 Sep 2025 17:49:16

Liverpool Student Homes (LSH) helps students find quality private accommodation. It also works to reduce student crime through targeted awareness campaigns. One of its key priorities is helping students protect their homes and keep their valuables safe.

The close living arrangements in student housing, combined with the widespread use of high-value items such as laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, make students particularly vulnerable to burglary.

Working with Merseyside Police and City Safe, LSH uses seasonal crime data to identify peak risk periods and deliver timely, practical advice to reduce burglaries and create a safer living environment.

Free Property Registration with Immobilise

A cornerstone of LSH’s burglary prevention strategy is promoting the use of Immobilise, a free property registration service where students can log their tech and valuables. This improves the chances of recovery in the event of theft or loss.

Merseyside Police also recommend Immobilise on their Crime Prevention advice page, highlighting its role in deterring burglars and aiding recovery.

New Year Welcome Message

1,600 new students will have already received welcome packs containing:

• Essential guidance on topics such as meter readings and meeting neighbours
• A letter from Merseyside Police
• An If You Love It, Log It Immobilise reminder card encouraging students to register new items as the term begins

Year-Round Campaigns with Seasonal Focus

LSH runs burglary reduction campaigns throughout the year, with extra emphasis during high-risk times such as:

• Christmas break – when gifts and other valuables are left behind
• Summer months – when open windows increase opportunities for theft
• End of term – when properties are vacated and belongings left unattended

Multi-Channel Outreach

To reach as many students as possible, LSH uses a blend of channels, including:

• Social media campaigns
• Leaflets and fact sheets
• Presence at Freshers’ and Refreshers’ Fairs, Welcome Events, and LSH Accommodation Fairs

The LSH Student Community Guide, distributed widely to both new and returning students, also carries key safety messages from Merseyside Police and reminds students of the importance of registering property with Immobilise.

Voices From LSH

Lorna Lamb, Marketing Officer at LSH, said:

“Over the years, we’ve endorsed Immobilise as a proactive way for students to protect their belongings. We spread the message that just a few minutes spent registering valuable items on Immobilise can significantly increase the chance of recovering them if they’re ever lost or stolen. Students often bring expensive tech to university, and when faced with the cost of replacing it, using a free registration service that helps get it back, is a no-brainer.“

Collaborative Impact

These campaigns are supported by Liverpool’s major higher education institutions, reinforcing the message across the city:

• University of Liverpool
• Liverpool John Moores University
• Liverpool Hope University
• Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
• Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

For more student security guidance visit: Keeping your student digs and gear secure at university

Supporting Student Security

Immobilise is:

• Free and easy to use
• Backed by UK Police Forces
• Proven to improve recovery rates for stolen items

If you’d like to learn how Immobilise can help strengthen your student security strategy, contact us at info@immobilise.com

Promotional resources can be viewed here: https://www.immobilise.com/police/resources

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Keep Home Security Firmly On Your Radar This Autumn

03 Sep 2025 17:42:22

As the days get shorter and families settle into the new seasons busy schedule, it’s important to make sure your home stays protected.

Statistics show a rise in burglary rates as autumn sets in; recent home insurance claim analyses link this increase to the shift in daylight hours.

Figures taken from 10 years’ worth of claims data (Aviva) show household theft rises by 5% on average in Autumn, but during events like Halloween and Bonfire night, it jumps significantly, with the week from October 30^th – November 5^th seeing, on average, an increase of 26%.

Whether you’re juggling school runs, planning last minute getaways, or just enjoying more time indoors, a few seasonal safety checks can go a long way. As with all types of crime, prevention is the ultimate goal. 

In this post, we’ll share some simple tips to keep your home—and everything in it—safe and secure throughout the autumn and winter months.

Use Your Alarm – and Keep It Maintained
Always set your intruder alarm when you leave home. Regular servicing (once or twice a year, depending on whether it’s monitored) helps ensure it’s working properly when you need it most.

Light Up Entrances
Install dusk-to-dawn lighting near your front and back doors. A well-lit entrance is a major deterrent to intruders—and it also helps your neighbours keep an eye out.

Secure the Perimeter
The exterior of your home serves as the first line of defence against potential intruders, and its condition speaks volumes about your commitment to security.

Ensure that sturdy gates and fencing surround your property—damaged or missing panels can create vulnerabilities. Tall fences and thorny plants can also help deter unwanted visitors from accessing the rear of your property.

Be mindful of where your bins are stored—when not in use, keep them away from windows and fences where they could be used to climb up and gain access.

Make Your Home Look Occupied
If you’re going away, use timers or smart plugs to control lights, radios, and TVs. Varying the times they go on and off can give the impression that someone is home, especially if you’re away for several days. TV Sims are a useful way of making it look like you’re home, when you’re not TV Sim Burglar Deterrent – Immobilise Marking Products Shop

Conceal Valuables from View
As soon as it gets dark, close curtains or blinds to stop passersby from spotting anything valuable inside. Burglars are less likely to target homes where they can’t see a clear reward.

Avoid Hiding Spare Keys Outside
It might seem convenient, but hiding spare keys under a plant pot or doormat is one of the first things a burglar will check. Instead, leave a spare key with someone you trust.

Lock It All Down
Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave the house—even if it’s just for a short time. Avoid leaving keys in locks (or visible on the windowsill), especially near windows, where someone could smash the glass and turn the key to get in.

Don’t advertise you’ve got expensive tech
Burglars target homes that they think will contain valuables. A sure giveaway is leaving packaging from expensive items visible outside your home. On bin day, keep it hidden out of sight in collection containers.

Don’t Broadcast Your Absence
It’s tempting to share your autumn or Christmas getaway on social media—but be cautious. Public posts about your location can tip off thieves that your home is empty. If you must, share your holiday memories once you’re back home.

Join forces with Neighbours for a Safer Community
Although smart security systems are useful, we can’t always be there to oversee our homes. Developing strong relationships with your neighbours can be a great asset in helping to increase security in your community.

If your property is to be unoccupied for a period of time, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to open and close curtains at the front of the house and sort your bins out — full or untouched bins can signal that the property is empty.

Additionally, participating in local Neighbourhood Watch programs can strengthen community safety and help lower crime in your area. To find out more contact your local branch.

Tighten security if there have been burglaries in your area
Research on home burglaries in the UK suggests that if a nearby property has been burgled, it increases the likelihood of your home being targeted.

If you’re aware of any recent break-ins on your street, it’s wise to review your security measures and enhance them where possible.

Register any new gifts or gadgets sooner rather than later
As soon as you can, register any new valuables coming into the house on Immobilise.com. Include as much detail as you can, such as make, model, colour, serial numbers, identifying marks, etchings or engravings and where possible, photos and receipts.

Getting into the habit of registering new items as soon as you can after purchase, or when they’ve been gifted, leaves less chance of them being forgotten in your inventory.

For help with registering common items, visit: Registration Help

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Immobilise At ATLAS 2025 – Showcasing Innovation In Crime Prevention

12 Mar 2025 12:35:17

Immobilise recently exhibited at ATLAS 2025, an event that brings together police representatives—including Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs), and the British Transport Police —alongside crime prevention professionals. It provided a valuable opportunity to exchange best practices and stay up to date with the latest innovations in crime prevention, security services, and products.

Hosted by Secured by Design (SBD)—the UK police’s official security initiative—ATLAS plays an important role in shaping national security standards.

Since its inception in the 1960s, SBD has worked closely with manufacturers, industry leaders, and law enforcement to develop security solutions that protect homes, businesses, and communities. Events like ATLAS 2025 reinforce the importance of this collaboration, bringing together security experts, police, and technology providers to drive innovation in crime prevention.

Immobilise is proud to be an approved member of Secured by Design, demonstrating our commitment to implementing the highest security measures and best practices.

As the world’s largest free property register, Immobilise was pleased to showcase its role in supporting police investigations and helping return lost and stolen property to its rightful owners.

Immobilise remains committed to providing a free public property register and working with the police to reduce property crime and help make communities safer across the UK.

To learn more about Immobilise and how we work with the police, visit our About page.

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Case Study: Empowering Safer Communities In Peterborough With Safer Streets 5 And Immobilise

04 Dec 2024 15:27:05

Overview
In 2024-2025, Peterborough was selected as a pilot area for the government-backed Safer Streets 5 initiative led by Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner- the OPCC. The program aimed at tackling neighbourhood crime, including burglary, vehicle theft, drug misuse, and street violence, while building community confidence across the UK. Now in its fifth year, Safer Streets has been successfully rolled out in numerous regions. Peterborough’s unique challenges presented an ideal opportunity to test innovative community safety measures.

The Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch team played a critical role in the campaign, determined to empower residents with resources to protect their property and foster a sense of collective responsibility, the team approached Immobilise to collaborate on achieving these goals.

Challenges Identified
Crime data revealed that certain neighbourhoods in Peterborough experienced temporary but significant spikes in crimes such as residential burglary, garage theft, and vehicle crime. Although crime levels have since normalised, the initiative aims to establish long-term prevention measures and stronger community engagement through the following key objectives:

1. Increasing Neighbourhood Watch membership to encourage collective responsibility for safety.
2. Equipping residents with tools and knowledge to mark and register their property using the Immobilise National Property Register.

Focus Area
A detailed analysis of crime patterns identified 10 streets in Peterborough, from Central Park to Granville Street, as hotspots. These streets became the focus of targeted interventions under the Safer Streets 5 program.

Immobilise’s Involvement
To support the initiative, Immobilise provided security marking kits under the uniquely branded campaign, “Operation Mark It!”

Kits contained:

• UV Marker Pen: For invisibly marking valuable items with identifiable information.
• UV Thumb Torch: To view marked items.
• Immobilise Leaflet: A tailored guide explaining how to register property on the National Property Register for free.

These kits empowered residents to take an active role in safeguarding their belongings while complementing the broader goals of Safer Streets 5.

Volunteer Engagement and Education
To ensure the initiative’s success, Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch volunteers received training and materials to effectively communicate the benefits of property marking and registration. Through direct engagement, volunteers emphasised how Immobilise can:

• Assist law enforcement in recovering stolen property.
• Act as a deterrent to thieves aware of marked and registered items.
• Provide residents with peace of mind, knowing their belongings are secure.

Alan Paul, Head of Neighbourhood Watch Peterborough, shared his insights into the initiative’s impact:

“Through our involvement in the Safer Streets 5 scheme, we’ve been able to engage and recruit more Neighbourhood Watch schemes in areas of the city where community participation has historically been low. The Immobilise concept is an excellent practical tool that not only supports engagement but also strengthens our recruiting efforts. This partnership directly helps us achieve our association’s goal: fostering communities where everyone feels safe.”

The Broader Impact
By combining the resources of Safer Streets 5, the expertise of Immobilise, and the dedication of Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch, this initiative has:

• Boosted community participation and trust.
• Empowered residents with the tools and knowledge to protect their property.
• Created a framework for long-term safety and engagement in high-priority areas.

Looking forward, the Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch team remains committed to expanding its reach and building on the success of this collaboration, ensuring that the city continues to thrive as a safe, united community.

For tips on how to protect your home against burglary visit Burglary Prevention

Are you part of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme looking for promotional materials and marking kits to help residents protect their homes and valuables?

If so, we’re here to help! Get in touch at support@Immobilise.com

View resources at: immobilise.com/police/resources

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The Growing Menace Of Phone Snatch Theft And How To Protect Yourself

10 Sep 2024 08:41:11

In today’s world, smartphones have become indispensable—they are our communication hubs, navigation tools, and often, our wallets!

They are often our most valuable personal possessions, always with us and frequently on display. This makes them prime targets for phone snatch thefts, a crime that is on the rise. Thieves target individuals in crowded places, using stealth and speed to steal phones before the victim realises what’s happening.

In this blog, we’ll explore common phone snatch theft scenarios, offer practical advice on how to protect yourself, and explain what to do if it ever happens to you.

Understanding Phone Snatch Theft

Phone snatch theft is a crime of opportunity. Thieves often target individuals who are distracted—walking while texting, standing on the street using GPS, or sitting in a café with their phone on the table. These criminals are quick and can easily disappear into a crowd or speed off on a motorbike before the victim has a chance to react.

Common scenarios include:

• Public Transport: Thieves may snatch phones from the hands of unsuspecting passengers while they are entering or exiting buses, trains, or trams.
• Busy Streets: Walking while using your phone can make you an easy target for thieves who can grab it and disappear in seconds.
• Cafés and Restaurants: Phones left on tables or held loosely can be taken by thieves who pose as customers.
• Motorbike Drive-By: Thieves on motorbikes often target pedestrians using their phones close to the road, grabbing the device and speeding away.

The Impact of Phone Theft

Losing a phone is more than just losing a device. The contents of a smartphone—personal data, photos, banking information, and more—are often irreplaceable and can lead to further issues like identity theft. Moreover, the emotional impact of being targeted in such a crime can leave victims feeling vulnerable and anxious.

How to Protect Yourself

While phone snatch theft is a real threat, there are several precautions you can take to minimise your risk:

2. Use Your Phone Discreetly
Try to keep your phone out of sight when not in use. When using your phone in public, hold it securely with both hands and close to your body, making it harder for someone to grab it.

4. Invest in Anti-Theft Accessories
Consider using anti-theft phone cases, wrist straps, or phone lanyards that make it harder for thieves to snatch your phone easily.

6. Don’t Leave Your Phone Unattended
Never leave your phone on a table in a café, restaurant, or bar, especially near the edge. Keep it in your pocket or bag, or hold it in your hand if necessary.

8. Stay Alert to Suspicious Behaviour
If someone is acting suspiciously or getting too close to you, be cautious. Trust your instincts and move to a safer location if necessary.

10. Register Your Phone on Immobilise.com
Registering your phone increases the chances of it being identified and returned if it’s ever stolen. Our easy guide shows you how: Register a Mobile Phone (Immoblise.com).

What to Do If Your Phone Is Stolen

If you do fall victim to phone snatch theft, act quickly:

• Report the theft to the police immediately, providing details of where and how it happened.
• Use tracking apps like ‘Find My Phone’ to try and locate your device. Remember not to confront criminals yourself—always let the police handle it for your safety.
• Notify your mobile provider to suspend your service and prevent unauthorised use.
• Change all your passwords for apps and services linked to your phone, especially for banking and social media accounts.
• Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
• Report the theft as soon as possible on your Immobilise account.

Phone snatch theft is a distressing crime that can happen to anyone. However, by staying vigilant and taking some basic precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Remember, your safety is paramount—no phone is worth endangering yourself. Stay aware, stay secure, and keep your phone protected.

Stay safe and keep connected responsibly!

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Safe And Sound: How To Have A Secure Festival Experience This Summer

18 Jun 2024 14:49:00

Summer has finally arrived, and that festival you’ve been eagerly awaiting is just around the corner!

The UK is a nation of festival-goers. A study by UK Music shows that over 37 million people attended UK festivals and concerts in 2022!

Festivals are all about letting go and having a blast, but with so many people around, they come with unique security challenges.

It’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning travel and other logistics that you might forget about securing your valuables.

Phones top the list of at-risk items at UK festivals, with over one in ten festival goers having lost, damaged or had a device stolen.

As with anything, planning is key to having a great time without any nasty surprises. Fortunately, there are steps you can take before and during the event to ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.

Before you go…

Here are our top tips for securing your possessions before heading off to soak up the vibes.

• Mark & register your valuables. Almost all of us will take a phone to an event, and it’s crucial to register it before you set off. Dial *#06# on your handset to reveal the 15-digit IMEI number(s) on the screen. Create an account on Immobilise.com and register the device’s make, model, IMEI, and serial numbers. It only takes a few minutes and is completely FREE. Add other identifiable marks using a UV pen or an asset label for an extra layer of security. Should you lose your phone and it is found, this will help the authorities return it to you. If you are taking other devices, such as a smartwatch or camera, register these as well.
  
  
• Note important details. Write down the contact details for a friend and a family member you can reach, including your phone’s provider and your bank account information, in case you need to cancel cards or report the loss or theft of your phone. Keep these details on a piece of paper in a safe place—separate from your phone!
  
  
• Check your travel insurance policy. If you have one, review it. You might be covered for trips in the UK lasting more than two nights, but ensure it includes tent stays.
  Additionally, consider personal possessions insurance. Check for policy exclusions or excess payments. This is often an add-on to contents insurance, so verify if you already have it with your home insurance.
  
  
• Check if the venue is cashless. If not, use on-site cashpoints rather than carrying large amounts of cash.
  

When you’re there…

Following a few basic rules will help you enjoy the experience and keep yourself and your belongings safe.

• Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t store them in outer pockets; instead, keep them in a secure location like a zippered pocket or money belt.
  
  
• Use lockers if available. Some festivals offer free lockers where you can store items that might be targeted by thieves, like bikes or car keys.
  
  
• Keep valuables to a minimum. If possible, leave your valuable phone at home! Consider taking an older phone instead of your latest model. Phone theft is common at festivals, so if you must take your phone, protect it with a passcode and turn on location tracking such as ‘Find My iPhone’. Additionally, consider using a crossbody lanyard case, making it much harder for someone to snatch it from you. Check out the latest phone lanyards of 2024 in the review below: Top 10 Best Phone Lanyards in 2024 – FindThisBest (UK)
  
  
• Protect your phone. Use a waterproof cover to prevent damage from spills, being dropped in a puddle, or even a pint!
  
  
• Secure valuables at night. Keep wallets, phones, cameras, car keys, etc., at the bottom of your sleeping bag where they’re inaccessible to others.
  
  
• Be mindful of your surroundings. In the moment, you could get separated from your friends in a crowd. Knowing the layout will help you get your bearings. Make a note of where festival staff or security points are.
  
  
• Look out for each other. Whether it’s your friends or other festival-goers, stay vigilant. If you see someone struggling, offer support by alerting the event staff.
  
  
• Consider using a safeguarding app. These allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.
  Examples include:
  Imabi Community: a free tool for real-time safety alerts.
  Imabi Guardian: a free personal safety app.
  
  
• Have a meeting place. Agree on a spot to meet up if you get separated. Just having a plan can reduce stress.
  

Festivals are tons of fun, and with careful planning, you can relax and enjoy them to the fullest. Get ready for an unforgettable festival experience!

For more great tips on festival safety, check out Festival Safe.  

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Secure Your Garden And Protect Your Home

18 Jun 2024 14:48:06

When it comes to security, many people focus solely on their homes and the vehicles parked outside. However, gardens are often a primary target for thieves.

According to a 2022 study by Sunlife, a staggering 9 out of 10 household thefts occur in the garden (Ideal Home).

The ‘Hot’ Targets Lurking In Your Garden
Modern gardens are often filled with valuable items, making them lucrative targets for thieves, especially during the summer when we tend to leave them outside for convenience.

Ideal Home reported that the most frequently stolen items from outdoor living spaces are quality garden furniture, ornaments, power tools, lawnmowers, BBQs, and ladders (2022 data).

Securing Access Points To Your Home
While we like to view our gardens as peaceful sanctuaries, they are also often the first line of defence against burglars looking to gain access to our homes.

According to the ONS, in the year running up to March 2023, there were 525 burglaries a day in England and Wales; that’s one every 165 seconds!

To avoid becoming a statistic, remember that securing your garden not only prevents theft of the possessions you keep in it, but it also makes it much harder for intruders to access your home.

Two-Pronged Security Approach
To secure your garden effectively, consider a two-pronged approach:

1. Secure high-value items.
2. Make your garden less attractive to thieves overall.
   

Be Proactive!
Thankfully, there are plenty of proactive ways to deter burglars from considering your property an easy target.

Think like an intruder. Would you steal something that is clearly marked and registered to the owner? Probably not. Thieves aim to avoid anything that may link them to a crime and perceive it as not worth the risk.

Ways To Help Deter Theft:

1. Register valuables: Immobilise.com is the world’s largest free register of possession ownership details and is searchable by all UK police. It is a powerful tool in the fight against property crime. Register your power tools, garden equipment, bicycles, and all other valuables with unique identifiers such as serial numbers or engravings. If your items don’t have identifiers, use a marking product like a UV pen, asset labels, or an etching tool.
   
   
2. Visible warnings: Use window stickers and labels on items of property to warn potential thieves that your items are protected, both in vehicles and buildings. Often, the mere presence of a warning is enough to deter a break-in.
   
   
3. Bikes: Bikes can be high-value, low-risk targets for potential thieves. If unprotected, they’re easy to resell in locations away from the theft. Statistics published by roadandmountainbikereviews.co.uk reveal that a bike is stolen every minute in the UK and fewer than 5% are returned to their owners. If you own one or more bikes, follow these steps:

• Register them on Immobilise.com – our useful video below will guide you through the simple process.
• Fit a security tag.
• Use visible deterrents.

Enhancing Garden Security

A criminal will nearly always take the path of least resistance. They will choose the house with the overgrown hedge, unlocked gate or the house that has places to hide around it while they scope out what is worth stealing. Don’t let that property be yours!

We’ll explore some key ways to secure your garden:

1. Boundaries: Ensure your fences and walls are secure. Adding a trellis or planting thorny climbers like Berberis, Hawthorn, Holly, or Pyracantha can be effective deterrents. These plants can also trap thieves, leaving behind valuable clues like torn clothes or DNA.
   
   
2. Gates and pathways: Always keep gates locked and use high-quality locks. Gravel pathways can deter intruders due to the noise they make when walked on.
   
   
3. Home entry points: Keep windows and doors closed when you’re not around. Installing proximity detectors, security lights, or cameras can add an extra layer of security.
   
   
4. Sheds and outbuildings: Regular maintenance is crucial. A Which? report highlights that 22,500 households fall victim to shed burglary annually, with power tools and bikes being common targets (2019). Ensure your shed has strong locks and hinges, and consider motion sensors and security lights. Failing to meet the minimum standard or maintenance condition for your shed could result in an insurance claim being rejected if you’re targeted by criminals.
   
   
5. Garden offices: Garden offices are becoming much more common. With computers and other expensive devices often left inside, it’s essential to secure the building. Check that windows and doors close properly and that the locks work efficiently. Consider adding an alarm system or CCTV and security lighting. Mark all your valuables with your postcode, register them on immobilise.com, and use deterrent stickers to let thieves know they are traceable.

Extra Steps You Can Take:

• Be community-minded: As with many things, there’s strength in numbers, and this applies to home and garden security, too. Think about joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or just agree to look out for each other’s property, especially when a house is empty.
  
  
• Avoid sharing your absence on social media: Some opportunists use social media to gauge when houses are vacant. Don’t post those holiday photos until you get home!

Summary
Securing your garden and everything in it makes it a much less attractive target and is a vital step in protecting your property.

Ensure your outdoor space remains a haven of peace and not an entry point to your home!

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