Protect your Home

Tower Hamlets Council and Tower Hamlets Police are stepping up patrols to deter criminals.

Keep it locked

• double lock your door every single time you leave the house
• make sure sliding patio doors have an anti-theft device fitted so they can’t be forced open
• if your door has a letterbox, a guard fitted to the rear of the door will prevent someone reaching in with a stick and a hook for any nearby items such as a handbag or keys – which should never be kept near exterior doors. Consider cat flaps and dog flaps too
• Windows can be reinforced by using special film or by installing laminated panels
  • always ensure that open windows are secured by a latch don’t leave windows open when leaving your home.
• spy holes and security chains are recommended so that anyone visiting can be identified before you open the door
• door bars, such as a London Bar or Birmingham Bar greatly reinforce the door frame and provide excellent protection against anyone trying to force a door open or kicking it down
• your communal door is only effective if it is closed and secure, so always remember to check that it locks behind you. If it doesn’t, then report it to your management agent or landlord so it can be repaired quickly
• don’t ever buss anyone in that you don’t know – even if they say that they’re expected by another resident – or let them follow you in
• keep cycle stores, bin stores, sheds and other covered areas locked and secured

Domestic CCTV and what you need to know

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regulates and enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).If your CCTV system captures images of people outside the boundary of your private domestic property – for example, from neighbours’ homes or gardens, shared spaces, or from public areas – then the GDPR and the DPA will apply to you. You will need to ensure your use of CCTV complies with these laws. If you do not comply with your data protection obligations you may be subject to appropriate regulatory action by the ICO, as well as potential legal action by affected individuals. The ICO has published guidance on the use of domestic CCTV and a CCTV checklist, which will help you to better understand and meet your obligations under data protection law. It is important that you read this guidance as well as the checklist, as this is a fuller explanation of your obligations to data protection law. The ICO has also published guidance for people being filmed by domestic CCTV. If you have any questions about the use of domestic CCTV, you can contact the ICO or call 0303 123 1113. If you are unhappy about the use of a domestic CCTV system, use the ICO’s online tool to determine the best course of action in your situation.

Residents’ Associations

Most Social landlords provide support with joining or starting residents’ associations, who work closely with the landlord and Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panels. Ask your landlord. You may start your own Resident’s group in areas not covered by social housing. Join our mailing list for up-dates on local events. Complete our survey.

See our page on theft prevention for more property marking advice.

Protecting your Home from Crime

Window Security

Checklist for securing your home when you leave it

Become a creature of habit

Try to get into the habit of following your own course of action when you lock up your home. This will ensure that you don’t forget anything.

Here’s what we recommend you do before you go out:

• close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes
• double-lock any door
• make sure that any valuables are out of sight
• keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening
• never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallways
• in the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on
• if you’re out all day, then it’s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night
• set your burglar alarm
• make sure the side gate is locked
• lock your shed or garage
• lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor

Going away?

Here are five tips to help you keep your home and belongings stay safe while you’re away:

1. if you’re off on holiday and wish to post anything on social media, make sure your posts aren’t public and that they’re only seen by your friends
2. leave lights and a radio on a timer to make the property appear occupied
3. get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property
4. consider asking your neighbours to close curtains after dark and to park on your drive
5. remember to cancel newspaper and milk deliveries
6. ensure all doors are locked and all windows are closed, even the up-stairs ones.

Burglar graffiti / markings

They do mark properties for each other to see if it’s worth making the effort to break in and steal stuff. It’s old-fashioned but might still be in use. If you see such markings, remove them.

Alarms and smart home security

Head over to Which for their recommended and tested product advice.

See our page on theft/burglary prevention for avoiding parcel theft etc.