Home and vehicle security advice issued to residents

Published Tuesday, 28th April 2020

Residents of Hartlepool are being urged to take steps to secure their homes and vehicles to deter thieves.

The Hartlepool Community Safety Team has issued security advice following reports of opportunistic crime.

It says people should:

  • Always make sure their car is locked - especially overnight and when unattended, even if only for a moment.
  • Always remove valuables from their car, including satellite navigation systems, money and sunglasses.
  • Never leave tools in vans overnight, and always ensure that tools are clearly marked with a name, company name and address.
  • Make sure there are adequate locks on any shed and never leave valuable items out in the garden overnight or items that could be used to break-in to a house. If a shed doesn't have a very good lock on it, consider bringing expensive items into the house at night.
  • Make sure garages are always locked.
  • Make it as difficult as possible for thieves to operate by ensuring that windows and doors are closed and locked on a night and whenever people leave the house or are in the garden. 
  • Never leave car or house keys in sight or within easy reach of windows, doors or a letterbox. Always take keys out of locks.
  • Ensure items like laptops, money and phones can't be seen through a window.
  • If they have a burglar alarm, always use it when they leave the house or overnight.
  • Fit good exterior lighting which can help to deter an offender.

For further information residents can contact the Hartlepool Community Safety Team at community.safety@hartlepool.gov.uk or by calling (01429) 523100. Crimes should be reported to Cleveland Police on 101 or, in an emergency, on 999.