Safe and Secure Summer Home

Summer is finally here and whether you are planning a get away in the sun or
you’re simply out to do a spot of gardening, it is important to keep your home
safe and secure.

Whilst Aylesbury Vale has one of the lowest rates of burglary in the entire
Thames Valley area, the summer months typically lead to increased
opportunities. The majority of burglaries are opportunistic and take place
when a house is empty or when doors and windows are left insecure, even if
you’re at home and as close as the garden.

Aylesbury Vale District Council and Thames Valley Police are working
in partnership to keep burglary low over the summer months and asking
residents to follow the home security tips below:

• Remember to close and lock your doors and windows, whether you are
  just in the garden or in your home.
• Ensure your home looks occupied even when you’re away – for example,
  user timer switches with lights, cancel milk or mow the lawn before you go.
• Mark belongings visibly and permanently with your house number and
  postcode using a UV marker pen.
• Remove all valuables from view. If you normally leave a valuable bicycle
  in a shed, consider securing it in the house. Similarly, ensure tools in your
  shed are out of sight and secure.
• Get help from your neighbours – you could ask them to collect post, open
  and close curtains or park in your driveway.

For further home safety advice please contact Thames Valley Police on
0845 8 505505 or visit http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev/crprev-
home.htm

For a free UV property marking kit, please call into Customer Services
at Aylesbury Vale District Council, 66 High Street, Aylesbury or visit the
AVDC desk at the Buckingham Centre, Verney Close, Buckingham.

If you are unable to travel due to a disability, please contact the Council on
01296 585061 and we can arrange to post the item.