Join Our Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

Safety Tips for Residents

Home Security

Basic Security Measures 

• Lock all doors and windows, and use multi-point or 5-lever mortice locks on front and back doors.

• Lock side gates and maintain fences to make entry and exit to the back garden difficult.

• Keep valuables out of sight from windows.

• Install a spyhole on your front door.

• Trim overgrown hedges that may provide hiding spots for thieves.

Enhanced Security

• Consider installing an Alarm System, Video Doorbell and/or Floodlight Cameras. 

  • There are wireless DIY options nowadays that connect to your WiFi so are more affordable and easier to install. 

  • They can often be installed where the wiring to your existing doorbell or outdoor lights are.

  • Note, wireless WiFi cameras can be blocked with jammers for determined thieves but these will deter most thieves. 

• Use timer switches for lights when you're away.

• Install outdoor security floodlight with motion sensors.

• Mark valuables with your postcode using a UV pen.

When You're Away

• Cancel newspaper and milk deliveries.

• Ask a trusted neighbour to collect post and keep an eye on your home.

• Use timer switches to create the appearance someone is home.

• Don't advertise your absence on social media.

Car Crime   

• Always lock your vehicle and close all windows.

• Remove valuables or place them out of sight.

• Park in a well-lit area and in view of houses, where possible.  

• If your car has a wireless key, this could be hacked from inside your house so keep it in a Faraday Box and Faraday Pouch away from your car.

• Use steering wheel locks or other visible deterrents.

• Consider installing a ghost immobiliser if your car is high risk.

 Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Barnet has several PSPOs in place that covers the following behaviours in public spaces (among other things):

• consuming alcohol

• behaving in manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment or alarm

• failing to remove dog faeces

• exercising more than 6 dogs or failing to put dogs on a lead

• urinating, defecating and spitting

• begging for money

• riding e-scooters/bikes/motorised vehicles in parks or green spaces

• using fireworks

• building fires

• promoting music not licensed by the council

• using or supplying psychoactive substance

• feeding pigeons, whether directly or by leaving food in areas accessible to them

In addition, PSPO Order 4 restricts loitering that causes a nuisance or distress in public areas in the West Finchley Ward, among others.

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence and can be subject to a fixed penalty notice of up to £100, fine of up to £500 for alcohol-related PSPO offences, fine of up to £1,000 for all other PSPO offences and further prosecution may also follow. They are enforced by Council enforcement officers and Police officers. 

More information about PSPOs can be found here. 

Reporting Crime or Anti-Social Behaviour

• In an emergency always dial 999.

• In a non-emergency or if you have information regarding an incident, report it to the Police using the non-emergency number 101 or their online reporting tools at www.met.police.uk/.

• Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.