When finding a new home there is so much to think about and, as we all know, location is an important factor. Feeling comfortable and secure in this location is essential.
There are many precautions one can take to make a house safe but there is no sense of having the perfect home if you’re scared to leave it. We may not have a great deal of control over what happens outside of our own space, however if when choosing a location you ask the right questions and contact the right people it is possible to gain peace of mind before you even move.
So, when deciding where to move what are the first steps to making sure an area is safe?
Check the local crime rates. Try www.upmystreet.com. Enter your postcode to find out not only about crime rates but also local schools and amenities.
Check with local authorities and police about what crime prevention schemes are in place e.g. neighbourhood watch. On moving arrange a free visit from the Crime Reduction Officer attached to the local police.
What are home insurance rates for the area? If they are high, why?
What kind of crimes have been prevalent locally? Talk to locals.
If you have already found a house ask the representative of the vendors if they've been burgled during their occupancy and if locks have been changed and counter measures taken (criminals often return to a previous burglary within six months- just as you've replaced what they've stolen). They are legally required to give you this information.
Contact your local authority or Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership. They will be able to tell you about the local crime reduction strategy, highlight any particular crime reduction schemes that you may like to be involved in and also explain what action is being taken in the area to address your concerns.
Become a member of your neighbourhood watch. If there isn’t a scheme operating in the area, consider setting one up. For advice visit www.neighbourhoodwatch.net
Become a special constable who is a trained and uniformed police volunteer who patrols in their local community. For more information contact www.specialconstables.gov.uk
www.crimereduction.gov.uk
www.safer-community.net
www.specialconstables.gov.uk
www.upmystreet.com
www.safer-community.net
The views represented in this article are those of the author and not of Channel 4. The purpose of the article is to provide general information only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal or other advice.You should not rely on any information provided in this article and you should always seek out independent professional advice relevant to your own particular circumstances.
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