Protecting your home from burglary is a priority for many residents of St Mary's Bay. While St Mary's Bay, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Folkestone and Hythe, generally demonstrates a good level of safety – boasting a safety score of 86 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 79 – understanding and mitigating risks is always advisable. With a population of 2550, the area has a crime rate of 51.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. The property crime rate specifically stands at 9.8 per 1,000 residents.
This data suggests St Mary's Bay is relatively safe, but complacency shouldn't be assumed. Here are steps you can take to prevent burglary:
- Secure Entry Points: Ensure all doors and windows have robust locks. Consider upgrading to anti-snap locks, which are more resistant to lock-picking.
- Lighting: Install security lighting around your property, particularly near entrances and vulnerable areas. Motion-sensor lights are particularly effective.
- Visible Security Measures: Displaying visible security measures, such as security system signs or window stickers, can deter potential burglars.
- Neighbourhood Watch: Engaging with your neighbours and participating in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can create a strong community network, increasing vigilance and providing mutual support.
- Valuable Storage: Don't leave valuables in plain sight. Store them in a safe or a secure location.
- Home Security Systems: Consider installing a monitored alarm system, especially if you frequently travel or are concerned about security.
- Be Mindful of Social Media: Avoid posting details about your travel plans on social media, as this could alert potential burglars to the fact that your home will be unoccupied.
By implementing these preventative measures, residents of St Mary's Bay can further enhance their home security and contribute to maintaining the area’s positive safety profile.