Community Safety Calendar

Different types of crime peak and trough throughout the year. Read how you can avoid becoming a victim of crime. From January to December there is a monthly crime reduction message to help. Also, you can download and print our Community Safety 2012 Calendar!

January

• Remember not to leave your discarded Christmas present boxes in view. If you want to keep your new 42” flat screen tv, don’t advertise the fact that you have one.
• Property mark your new belongings so should an item get stolen and then recovered by the police it can be traced back and given to you.
• Consider joining Ringmaster for the year. This would benefit you as you would receive community safety messages from Thames Valley Police including information about incidents occuring in Aylesbury Vale.

February

• There’s no excuse for domestic abuse – If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, break the silence and report it. The following organisations will talk to you about the life-changing options that may be available: 24 hour freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 and Victim Support Buckinghamshire 01296 395946

March

• Cycle crime campaign- time to mark up your bike as the peak time for bike theft comes along. Lock them away when not in use in a shed or garage. If you don't have access to a shed or garage lock the bike to a lampost or some other strong object.

April

• Consider using defensive planting to help protect areas around your property and its perimeter. Plants like berberis, holly and pyracantha look attractive all year round but can also deliver a prickly surprise to an intruder! Plant under windows and beside walls and fences that border onto public paths.
• Make sure your shed or garage is secure! Make sure hinges and locks are still strong and if you wanted to ramp up its security then purchase a padlock alarm, secure tools inside with chains or locks and property mark your valuables.

May

• Beauty spot crime increases as the weather improves. When you visit beauty spots make sure you don't leave valuables on display for would be thieves. Also make sure your windows and doors are locked.

June

• As the summer comes people leave windows and doors open. Make sure you are careful and lock windows and doors when you leave the property. When you are in your garden make sure you secure your home also and don't leave doors or windows open.
• Have you thought about joining Neighbourhood Watch? You can contact the Watch coordinator for Aylesbury Vale on 01296 396262.
  

July

• Holidays are here! Securing your home will bring peace of mind whilst you are away. Make your home appear lived in while you are away. Consider leaving a key with a trusted neighbour to take in newspapers and mail and cancel milk orders. For when it gets dark consider a light timer switch so your lights turn on periodically. Contact Community Safety for a free light timer switch on 01296 585061.

August

• Distraction burglary is when someone tries to gain entry to a home or premises through deceit or distraction. For example, claiming they are from the Water Board to read a meter or talking to you at the front door while their accomplice gains entry through a back door.
•  There are some key principles to remember: Stop - don't open the door, chain - put the chain securely on the latch, check – ask for identification and verify this by calling the company an individual represents. Make sure the back door is locked before opening the front door. The person may be working in a pair.
• For a free We do not buy or sell at this door sticker, contact community safety on the number below.
   

September

• Do you know of a crime which has been committed? Wish to report it and stay anonymous? Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively people can send information anonymously via the website shown below, using the giving information form.
   

October

• Personal Safety Day 10 October. Make sure you are safe during your everyday life. The day promotes personal safety such as getting home safely and securing your home. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust website has all the information you need for personal safety and can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
   

November

• As the darker nights draw in we encourage you to leave a light on. This will make your home appear as though someone is in and will significantly decrease the chance of burglary. For your free light timer switch call Community Safety team.
   

December

• With Christmas fast approaching don't leave gifts on display in vehicles. With the festive seasons come Christmas parties and socialising. Plan your journey home, whether it be a friend or family member picking you up or arranging a taxi prior to going out. One of the biggest messages for this time of year is don't drink and drive, it could cost lives.