The question of how to prevent burglaries in Copplestone is a valid one, even within a village with a comparatively safe environment. While Copplestone, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Mid Devon, boasts a population of 2551 and a commendable safety score of 91 out of 100 (significantly higher than the UK average of 79), understanding and mitigating risks remains important. The crime rate in Copplestone stands at 34.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6. Furthermore, the property crime rate is 11.0 per 1,000, again demonstrating a safer environment than many areas across the country.
However, complacency can be a factor. Here are steps residents can take to proactively reduce the risk of burglary:
- Secure Your Home: Ensure all doors and windows are properly locked, even when at home. Consider upgrading to robust locks and window frames.
- Improve Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights around your property, particularly at entrances. Good lighting deters potential burglars.
- Secure Valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight from windows. Consider a safe for jewellery, important documents, and other irreplaceable items. Don’t advertise expensive possessions on social media.
- Neighbourhood Watch: Participate in or establish a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. A strong community presence acts as a deterrent and facilitates information sharing about suspicious activity.
- Home Security Systems: While not essential given Copplestone’s safety profile, consider installing an alarm system or security cameras for added peace of mind. Ensure any system is properly maintained and visible.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to any unusual activity in the area and report it to the police. Even seemingly minor observations can be valuable.
- Don't Leave Spare Keys Out: Never hide spare keys under doormats or in obvious locations. These are the first places burglars look.
- Social Media Security: Be mindful of what you share online, as it can inadvertently reveal when you're away from home.