Home Security Guide - Redditch Borough Council

Dear Resident
This guide has been produced by the Redditch Community Safety Partnership to provide you with
practical information and advice on how to improve the security of your home. Many security
improvements are surprisingly straightforward and easy to complete for those who enjoy DIY.
If you require a professional security firm to work on your home, we have provided you with advice on
how to locate an appropriately qualified company.
If you would like to discuss any of the issues contained within this guide, please contact Redditch
Borough Council’s Community Safety Team on 01527 534187.
Yours faithfully,
Sue Hanley, Chair of the Redditch Community Safety Partnership.
How to use this guide
This guide provides you with structured advice and support to improve the security of your home. To get the
most from the guide we recommend that you read the information in order.
Once you are familiar with the contents detach the enclosed Home Security Checklist. It will provide you with
a step-by-step guide to assessing your home security and making the necessary improvements to secure your
home.
Keeping your home safe
Most burglaries are committed by an opportunist. This is someone who takes advantage of an opportunity to
commit a crime with little or no pre-planning.
Criminals often choose a home where they can approach and escape unnoticed, that looks unoccupied and
has poor security. A burglar is more likely to target a home that they can enter quickly with little risk of being
noticed.
Up to half of burglars gain entry without force - through an open door or window. Simply fitting strong locks
to your doors and windows, and always keeping them locked, will significantly reduce your risk of being burgled.
Notes for tenants: Whilst most landlords are willing to help their tenants secure their properties, there is no
legal obligation for them to undertake the specific works detailed in the guide. Any alterations to the property,
undertaken by the tenant will need to be done with the permission of the landlord.
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