Operation Accurist

Operation Accurist at Aylesbury train station

Operation Accurist was launched at the end of October 2008 to combat burglaries across the Vale. Read below to find out more about how Operation Accurist can keep your home safe this winter.

As winter approaches and the nights draw in, it’s an ideal time to look at your home security. If you’re not at home during the hours of darkness you may be at an increased risk of burglary. If no light is on in your home, curtains are not drawn, and no car is in the drive, it’s an obvious sign to an opportunist burglar that no-one is in. At this time of the year more than any other it pays to secure your home. There are a number of simple and free ways to do this, all of which will help reduce the chance of your home being the next target. So here’s what to do:

• Contact AVDC or Thames Valley Police for a free 24 hour segment timer. The timer can be used with a lamp, radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home. Remember to use an energy efficient light bulb.
• Contact AVDC or Thames Valley Police for a free property marking kit. Property marking is a simple, quick, and free way of making your valuables more secure and less desirable to thieves.
• Register your valuables on www.immobilise.com It’s free and takes just a few minutes and if your valuables are stolen, will allow you to tell the police, your insurer, and the second-hand trade to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief.
• Keep valuables out of sight. Most theft is opportunist, a thief will target your home because there is a visible opportunity to gain something. This may be because your valuables are on view, a laptop on your dining table or a camera on the window sill. Remove the goods and you’ll reduce the risk.
• Lock your doors and windows. Approximately 25% of burglars gain entry through an unlocked door or window. Whether you’re at home or out and about you should lock your doors and windows. If you have UPVC doors, make sure they’re double locked – you need to lift the handle and turn the key to securely lock a UPVC door.
• Neighbourhood watch is not about being a nosey neighbour, it is a great way of looking out for others in your community. As well as being vigilant to suspicious people, Neighbourhood Watch now offers a Community Messaging facility. This messaging service will send regular updates on crime and disorder in your area to your email account. Visit www.tvpcommunitymessaging.org for further information.
• If your keys are on a table in your hallway a burglar may not even need to break in, it’s not uncommon for a thief to use a fishing rod to reach through the letterbox to get your car keys. This is an ideal opportunity for a thief, don’t make it easy for them.
• Contact the Home Service scheme, AVDC’s free home security improvement service for over 60’s. The Home Service provides window and door locks, door chains and other security measures to keep you safe, it’s all fitted for free by the Handyman at a time that’s convenient to you. Call Environmental health on 01296 585100 for information.
• Look out for your elderly family members and neighbours. Unscrupulous individuals will target the most vulnerable people in your community. Distraction burglary can be a problem, particularly for the more vulnerable people so pass on the message to stop, chain and check before opening a door. Get a window sticker for no doorstep sales and your stop, chain, check sticker from crime reduction.

Date Updated: 04/11/11

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