Crime Prevention Advice Gwynedd

Following two persons being arrested for burglaries in commercial premises in the last 2 weeks (for small spike in commercial and business burglaries) in the Gwynedd North area North Wales Police have issued the following advice with the intention of ‘shoring up’ security and reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime as we approach the traditionally busy festive period. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

NWP Crime Prevention Officer Norman Hughes at Caernarfon Police Station said “We are offering the following advice to business owners who wish to reduce the risk of burglary.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

• External lighting fixtures should be vandal proof and located out of reach of trespassers. Lighting levels should illuminate vulnerable areas and compliment any existing surveillance system. Remove any potential climbing aids to prevent unauthorised access to the lights.
• CCTV cameras should be positioned so that they capture images for the purpose of identification, you should aim to capture clear images of individuals faces. Ideally capture images of individuals in the act of committing crime rather than their presence at the location.
• Recording systems should be secured within tamper proof cases and recorded images stored on a backup system at an alternative location.
• Limit the amount of cash on the premises overnight and secure within an insurance approved safe which will also resist fire or flood damage.
• Doors and windows should comply with relevant security ratings and or can be protected using Police approved grilles or shutters. Check in case you need planning permission.
• A monitored alarm system will alert you of any activation at the earliest opportunity. They can also act as potential deterrents. Audible standalone systems can also prove effective however such systems rely on others to report any activation.
• Thorny plants and hedging can act as a natural defensible barrier however tall hedges and low branches of trees can assist burglars to commit crime. Address any landscaping issues on a regular basis and use ground levels including the design of paths to your advantage.
• Repair any damage to property as quickly as possible and complete regular checks to ensure that all equipment such as surveillance and lighting are fit for purpose.
• Control access to within buildings and the site in general if possible by means of appropriate fencing and lockable gates. You may use anti climb paint above 2 meters however you will need to erect appropriate warning signs at the location. The signs should be large enough so that they may be viewed clearly.
• Valuables should not be displayed in windows unless the windows are laminated and will resist a “smash and grab” type crime. Do not cover windows with posters as staff should be able to view passing pedestrians and motorists.
• Depending on the nature of your business reception desks should not be left unattended and visitors challenged if seen within restricted areas. ID badges should be provided for visitors and visitors accompanied. Provide appropriate staff training and complete relevant risk assessments. Staff should know how to react in emergencies and how to deal with challenging visitors so as to avoid conflict. Staff should also know what to do if they witness a crime in progress.

CPO Hughes concluded “Our advice would actually benefit most householders but it is worth adding that we can’t reduce the risk of crime alone and we need assistance from our communities. We need to remain vigilant at all times and if you see any suspicious behaviour contact police immediately.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​