Safety advice

Protecting yourself and your property

Kent is generally a safe place in which to live, work and travel; and you can help keep it this way by taking a few common-sense safety measures:-

Personal safety

• Be alert.
• Try to stick to well lit, busy areas, particularly at night and avoid shortcuts and dark, deserted areas.
• If possible, spread your valuables around your person (for example: keep your phone in a bag, your house keys in a pocket and your money in a jacket).
• If you use a wheelchair or a pram, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of your wheelchair/pram.
• Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying - talking on your mobile, carrying a laptop or showing your friends your new jewellery for example, all show thieves you are worth robbing.
• Carry your handbag close to your body and don't put it down where it can be stolen easily.

Doorstep criminals

Burglaries are sometimes committed by doorstep criminals (people who call and offer services or skills). These criminals may dress in a way to confuse you, such as pretending to be from water, gas or electric companies or work contractors.

Don’t open your door to unexpected callers and always check their identity first. To stay safe use the Doorstep Code for uninvited callers:

• Always put the security chain on the door before opening it.
• Ask the caller who they are and where they are from.
• Ask to see some form of identification - take the card from them and examine it.
• Check with the company who they claim to be from, using a telephone number out of the phone book.

Remember - you do not have to let a stranger into your home even if they claim it is an emergency.

Further information / advice

Kent Trading Standards - Doorstop scam advice

Home safety

• Always lock your doors when you go out even if you are only popping out for a short time. Burglary is quick - most thieves take less than five minutes to break in to your house, steal your property and leave.
• Fit good quality locks to your doors and windows in your home, garage and shed and use them.
• Always keep keys in a safe place which is away from windows and doors.
• When you are on holiday, make it look like there is someone in by using timer switches on the lights and radio.
• Make sure items such as pedal cycles are security marked.
• Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Most importantly - after you have fitted all your security devices – Use them as the most expensive lock doesn’t stop a burglar if it isn't locked! If you can get into your home without your keys then so can a burglar.

Vehicle security

Car crime is an opportunist crime, therefore, if you don't give a thief the opportunity to take your belongings or your car they can't.

• Never leave anything on display when you park your car even if you are only leaving your car for a few minutes. If you can’t carry it with you, store it in the boot, not the glove box.
• Fit approved security devices such as Immobilisers that stop your car from starting, Car Alarms to deter thieves, locking wheel nuts to prevent your wheels being stolen and etching your car registration onto windows, windscreen for vehicle identification.

Fire safety

• Fit a smoke alarm to give early warning of a fire and test it regularly.
• Fit a Carbon Monoxide detector and ensure all appliances are regularly serviced by a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer
• Make sure you know where to turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies in an emergency.
• Keep your escape route clear at all times.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service offer free home safety visits in Kent and Medway which are carried out by a central team of qualified fire officers or by local firefighters. To book your free home safety visit, call 0800 923 7000 or email hsv@kent.fire-uk.org with your contact details.

Water safety

A water safety campaign has been launched in Kent in advance of the summer holidays, to warn and protect young people from the dangers of playing near rivers.

Our top tips:

• Don't jump or dive in as the depth may vary and there can be unseen hazards.
• Don't go in near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices. These and other water features are often linked with strong currents.
• Inland waters can be very cold no matter how warm the weather. Those going into cold water can get cramp and experience breathing difficulties very quickly.

For more information please see the press release or visit the website.