Crime prevention advice
Our advice offers best practice for you to follow alongside practical crime prevention methods: from basic hints and tips to more detailed strategies.
WhatsApp account takeover scam
Criminals are targeting WhatsApp users by posing as a friend and asking for a security code. Action Fraud has received over 60 reports relating to this scam.
The scam begins when a criminal gets access to another WhatsApp account which has you listed as a contact.
The criminal, posing as your friend or someone that's a member of a WhatsApp group you're in, will then send you seemingly normal messages to try and start a conversation with you. However, around the same time you will receive a text message from WhatsApp with a six-digit code. This is because the criminal has been trying to login to WhatsApp using your mobile number. The criminal will claim that they sent you their code by accident and ask you to help them by sending it to them. Once the criminal has this code, they can login to your WhatsApp account and lock you out.
The criminal will then use the same tactic with your WhatsApp contacts in an effort to steal more accounts and use them to perpetrate fraud.
- Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account: Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.
- THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.
- Never share your account�s activation code (that�s the 6 digit code you receive via SMS)
- You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select �Report� and then follow the instructions.
If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040.
Protecting your home from crime
Window Security
Control access with windows that protect your home.
How safe is your flat?
Make your flat as burglar proof as possible.
Keep burglars out of your property
Give burglar nowhere to hide and prevent distaction burglary
Keeping your shed or garage safe and secure
Din't make it easy for burglars to find your tools.
Protecting your property against vandalism
Five steps you can take to safeguard a property frlm vandalism
Advice about protecting your home from crime
Advice and measures to safeguard your home and prevent burglary
Protecting yourself from crime
From avoiding mugging to dealing with dangerous situations, advice to protect yourself and how to react.
Protect your home
How to make sure your mobile stays yours
Helping other people feel safe
Things you can do to help other people feel safer in public
See all advice to protect yourself from crime
Further advice to minimise risk of experiencing crime
Business crime prevention
Business robbery is where items are stolen from commercial premises such as a shop or a factory using violence or threats. Learn how to help prevent it.
Securing your shop from shoplifters
Six tips on how to outsmart shoplifters
Keep burglars outof your business
Advice to deter burglars from entering your business
Advice for business owners to staff theft and burglary
From shoplifting or non-paying diners to staff theft and burglary
Keeping vehicles safe
Tips to reduce chances of vehicle theft and advice on avoiding vehicle break-ins.
Preventing car and vehicle theft
How to help safeguard your car from theft and protect its content
Prevent theft from a vehicle
Keeping your car - and the personal belongings inside - safe
See all our advice on keeping vehicles safe
All our crime prevention advice for vehicle owners
Do Not Be Caught Out By Burglars
With the warmer weather we have been experiencing there's been a small increase in opportunistic burglars taking advantage of doors and windows being left open.
We would like to remind householders of the need to secure their windows and doors when going out and make sure the garage and garden shed is locked too.
The following advice to improve the security in and around the home:
- Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even if you�re in the garden, and make sure you have approved locks or bolts on all doors and windows
- Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like in a plant pot or letterbox - a thief knows all the hiding places � Keep all keys, purses and wallets out of sight and away from the letterbox Consider installing a burglar alarm, and only use a company that is registered or certified with the NSI or the SSIAB
- Do not open the door to anyone you don�t know or are not expecting. Always check by using a spy-hole or look through a window
- Make sure that you have up to date contents insurance
- Register all serial numbers from electrical items, tools and garden equipment with https://www.immobilise.com/ the free national property register.
- Mark items without serial numbers with an artificial DNA property marker such as SelectaDNA
- Do not keep large amounts of cash at home - it is much safer in a bank or building society
- Trim back any plants and hedges at the front of your property to no higher than 1 metre to remove hiding places
- Always report any suspicious activity, note any vehicle registrations, descriptions of persons involved and direction of travel
- Use a timer to set lights to mimic your usual activity when you are not at home
- Take photographs of all jewellery including hallmarks and keep them safe. Also consider using an artificial DNA property marker on jewellery or other valuable items
- Make sure any bolts are low enough so they cannot be opened by reaching over the top of the gate.
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