We would just like to repeat the advice provided within the last Newsletter as we approach the dark winter evenings.
Since December last year, we have been relatively crime free compared to many areas around the Weybridge and Esher areas, with only a recent attempted break-in and false alarms recorded and only minor offences being dealt with by the police. This is a vast improvement on the last 2 years and long may it continue. Having said that, we are only too aware that Burglaries are still likely at some point and therefore urge residents to remain vigilant at all times. History tells us that the next 3/4 months are the most vulnerable in terms of burglaries, so extra vigilance and ensuring your own security systems are functioning correctly, will dramatically reduce the chances of your property being targeted.
What we are doing –
Throughout the year we have been working with our security partners (Croma Vigilant Security) to recruit and develop a pro-active security team that can respond swiftly to any incidents and carry out a more positive surveillance operation using specialist surveillance techniques and equipment. The operation is designed to utilise a mix of Intelligence, covert and overt operations along with the detailed observation of vulnerable areas. As in previous years, we have increased the early evening and night patrols with a mix of covert and overt surveillance operators.
What you can do –
Residents are often our eyes and ears around the estate and if only 10% take an interest in what is happening we have another 40 people protecting the estate. Quite often you will know if something is not ‘normal’ in your area and we would encourage you to call the gate staff immediately on 01932 830402 so we can dispatch a mobile patrol to investigate. Quite often it may be nothing but it may also be part of a bigger picture that will help the team in their efforts.
Alarm Keyholding companies or individuals are usually the first responders in terms of alarm activations. The average response time is around 10 to 12 minutes and sometimes significantly longer. Although our team cannot carry out keyholding services, they can and have proven to be able to respond to the perimeter of the property within an average time of 3 to 4 minutes, if notified at the point of alarm activation. On arrival they will set up one or more observation points around the property until the keyholder arrives, at which point they will continue to observe and provide assistance where necessary.
To ensure we get immediate notification of an event, you are asked to provide your keyholder or alarm companies’ control room with the gate telephone numbers of 01932 830402 or 01932 830401. This will enable the patrol staff to attend as soon as practically possible but usually before the keyholder as indicated above.
The following note is intended to give you some simple burglary prevention advice and guidance as recommended by Surrey Police.
- Be extra vigilant by ensuring that all burglar alarms are working efficiently and that doors and windows are kept closed and locked with keys removed and out of sight. Particularly vulnerable are the areas at the rear of the property and especially those with balconies.
- Take this opportunity to have your CCTV cameras and alarms checked and serviced to ensure optimum performance.
- Ensure any tools or ladders are locked away in sheds and if able, locked together with a chain and padlock. This will make it almost impossible for them to be used to break in.
- Don’t leave valuables on display and if you have a safe, lock them away and don’t write down codes. Don’t leave out large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery.
- Security lights that come on with movement can also deter potential burglars especially if the area lit is overlooked by a neighbour.
- Check for any changes to the property such as potted plants or door mats moved. Some burglars use this as a way to see if the property is being looked after or if the resident is away.
- If you can lock interior doors this can sometimes contain burglars to a smaller area rather than give them the run of the house, should they gain entry.
- Keep house keys or car keys out of sight and away from front doors.
- If you have builders or trades people working on your property, do not lend them your security gate tag either to the main estate or your private drive gates.
- Be aware of trades people from adjoining building sites taking a particular interest in your property. They may well be observing your activities with a view to seeing when you are not at home.
- If you live next door to a building site or known empty property, check your boundary fence/hedge regularly for any obvious access point.
Whilst nobody can prevent burglaries, by working together we can all restrict the opportunity for burglaries.
If you see or hear any suspicious activity please call Surrey Police on 101 and in an emergency call 999 immediately and then the gate staff on 01932 830402 or 01932 830401.
Please also note that you can report online at https://report.police.uk/
