From inside the community Essex Police Happy New Year to you all! The start of the new year is a good time look at your safety and security and check that everything is as it should be, both inside the house, outside and at work. Below are just a few things to consider, but I am sure you can think of many more: This time of year is a good time to prune many varieties of plants, trees and shrubs so have a look at them; ensure that they do not provide a climbing aid into your property or prevent that all important clear view into your frontage that may deter crime. Be mindful though; those brambles, other spiky plants and stinging nettles on your boundary are nature’s own deterrent to intruders, any cuttings can be used to fill gaps in a hedge line. Consider supplementing your boundary security with some nice spiky plants, they look and smell nice but may also be a deterrent to intruders. Suitable advice can be sought from The Royal Horticultural Society or your local garden centre. Fences and gates—are they still intact and well maintained, do the gates lock securely? Outside lighting—are they all working okay and are they clean? Sheds and outbuildings—are they still intact and well maintained? Lubricate the locks exposed to the weather. Smoke detectors—are they working okay and in date, and where appropriate, do the batteries need replacing? Remember mains operated ones may have a battery back- up that may need replacing regularly. CCTV systems—like with your lighting, ensure that they are kept clean and maintained. Smart doorbells or other that may use a solar charger, at this time of year they may not be getting much of a charge, so consider topping up the battery with a charger where appropriate. Property marking—over Christmas you may have received some new tools, electrical or computing items; consider using an appropriate property marking product. 15
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA4ODM=