Careline has been made aware of a recent spate of burglaries across the Suffolk area. In the last few months there have been at least five burglaries across the county, most of them targeting elderly people in their own homes. These burglaries took place in Cavendish, Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Ipswich and Tattingstone.
Worryingly, these crimes often involve serious violence. Two of the elderly victims, in Cavendish and Bury St Edmunds, were pushed to the ground by the attacker. In the latest burglary in Tattingstone, a couple in their 70s were left terrified after three men forced entry into their home and hit the elderly man in the face, resulting in him being admitted to hospital.
This is a big concern to Careline and to our personal alarm users in Suffolk but there are lots of ways that you can stay as safe as possible. Whilst the police are busy investigating these crimes (at time of writing, an 18 year old male is being investigated), it is important to remain vigilant. We have included our tips for keeping you safe at home below. If you have elderly relatives or neighbours you can also help them become less vulnerable to crime.
Be watchful
If you spend a lot of time at home, stay aware of what is going on in your area. By doing this you can help to protect yourself and your community. Call 111 if you see any suspicious behaviour such as a stranger to the area watching specific houses closely. You could even join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Always be wary of unexpected visitors at your property. If someone knocks at your door, always get a good look at them through your peephole or the window. Always ask for ID from people that have come to your house for appointments and try to have someone with you when strangers are in your home. When getting work done on your property, ask family members to check out the company before paying any money.
Remember, if it is someone you are uncomfortable talking to, it is completely acceptable to not to open the door to them.
Secure your property
Some councils and local authorities will pay for you to have to have extra security measures fitted such as extra locks and chains for your windows and doors. It can also be fairly cheap to buy these things yourself and ask a relative or a friend to fit them for you.
Keep your keys in a safe place – don’t leave them in the door or by a window. Never leave spare keys under the doormat or in a plant pot. If you need to leave spare keys out for someone (a carer or family member) you should consider a key safe.
You should always lock up when you leave the house even if it’s only for a short while, remembering to lock all doors and windows.
Keep your valuables safe
It is important to always use a bank account. A bank account is a much safer option than having large amounts of cash in the house. For valuables, you could consider a safety deposit box at your bank or a secure safe in your property.
You could also mark your valuables with your postcode and house number in order to deter thieves.
Press your Careline pendant
If you suspect that you may be about to fall victim to a similar forced entry or burglary because of someone behaving strangely or harassing you call the police straight away on 999.
You can also activate your Careline pendant and speak to our Care Team who will call the police and your emergency contacts. They can remain on the line to reassure you as well as acting as a deterrent to anyone who may be threatening you.
For more information or to order a personal alarm please visit our website or call us on 0808 304 4240.
