Community safety

What is Community safety?

Community Safety is about feeling safe whether it be at home, work or in the street.  It is defined as promoting the concept of community-based action to inhibit and remedy the causes of crime and disorder.  Its purpose is to address crime, disorder and the fear of crime within local communities by working in partnership with agencies such as the police.

Safety advice

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  • Home security

    If you’re worried or suspicious, call the Police on 101. In an emergency, call 999.

    • Being safe is much more important than being polite to strangers at the door. It’s ok to say no and close and lock the door. If you’re concerned, don’t open the door.
    • Use a door chain or bar when you open the door, even if you are expecting a visitor.
    • Check ID - genuine callers won’t mind you taking the time to do this.
    • Always keep your back door locked, even if you’re in the house.
    • Don’t feel hassled to buy anything or give out your bank details and passwords.
    • Make a habit of checking that ground floor windows and doors are closed and locked when you leave the house or go to bed.
    • Keep keys, gifts and valuables out of sight. It only takes a minute for opportunist thieves to break in and steal your laptop from the table or car keys on the window sill.
    • Keep a pen and some paper handy. Keeping a record of the number plate of the car driving dangerously or description of a person acting suspiciously may be just what the police need to solve a crime.
  • Fire safety

    Make sure you’re safe from fire in the cold weather.

    • Keep electric heaters away from any paper, curtains, furniture or other flammable materials.
    • Don’t overload plug sockets or adaptors. Using too many extension leads or adaptors can cause sparks.
    • Fit a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test it weekly.
    • For more information or to book a free fire safety check for your home, call 0300 123 4046 or visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fire
  • Telephone scam advice

    Advice from Hertfordshire Constabulary for dealing with phone calls you receive.

    Challenge the caller:

    • Are you expecting the call?
    • Do you know who is calling?
    • Always suspect anyone you don’t know, regardless of who they claim to be.
    • Do not answer personal questions
    • NEVER part with any of your personal information.

    Remember, the police and bank would never ask for such details as your PIN or account numbers. They would also never ask you to withdraw money.

    In a phone call, if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious:

    • Leave the conversation.
    • If you are not happy talking to someone or feel suspicious about what they are saying you should end the call by hanging up.
    • After the call, if you think it was suspicious tell the police – call 101.

    Remember the caller may not hang up meaning you will be reconnected to them. So please only call when you hear the dialling tone.  Or, use a mobile phone or ask a neighbour or relative if you can use their phone.

    When you are next called on the phone remember 'CALL':

    • Challenge the caller
    • Answer NO personal questions
    • Leave the conversation
    • Let the Police know – Dial 101.

    Please share this information with your relatives and neighbours.

  • Fireworks

    Get advice on firework safety from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

    For information about fireworks and the law, please visit the Government website.

Page Last Updated: Monday, 19 February 2024 at 10:16 AM