Haslingden, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Rossendale, has a population of 16,364. Understanding the local crime landscape is the first step in protecting your property. While Haslingden’s crime rate sits at 82.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, this is slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, a property crime rate of 20.4 per 1,000 residents still warrants proactive security measures.
So, what specific steps can you take to prevent burglaries in Haslingden? Here's a breakdown of practical advice:
1. Secure Your Entry Points: Burglars often target easily accessible entry points. Ensure all doors have robust locks, ideally British Standard (BS) locks. Windows, particularly those on the ground floor or easily accessible from the outside, should also be secured with reliable locks. Consider window film to make glass harder to break.
2. Lighting is Your Friend: Leaving lights on timers when you’re away creates the impression that someone is home. Motion-sensor lights are also effective at deterring potential intruders by illuminating the area when movement is detected.
3. Don't Advertise Your Absence: Avoid posting on social media about your travel plans. This can alert potential burglars that your home will be unoccupied.
4. Community Watch and Neighbourhood Awareness: Get to know your neighbours and consider forming or joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme. A watchful community is a deterrent to crime. Reporting suspicious activity to the police promptly can help prevent incidents.
5. Valuables and Security Systems: Keep valuables out of sight from windows. Consider installing an alarm system, even a basic one, as a visible deterrent. Smart home security systems are becoming increasingly affordable and offer remote monitoring capabilities.
6. Landscape Considerations: Overgrown bushes and trees can provide cover for burglars. Trim back vegetation around your property to improve visibility and eliminate potential hiding places.
7. Secure Sheds and Garages: Sheds and garages often contain tools that could be used to break into a home. Ensure these are locked securely and that any valuable equipment is stored safely.