Peace of Mind While You Move Home
Free ultra violet marker pen and information pack with every EPC
Moving home is one of the most exciting experiences of your life; it is also one of the most stressful. YDEA want to ensure that you enjoy the experience and avoid further stress by becoming a victim of crime.
When you are busy preparing to move burglars are also aware of your plans and may be on the look out for an opportunity to commit crime. Estate agents boards and local newspaper advertising allow access to information you would normally keep private.
This is a time when you have so much to think about which makes it a good opportunity for burglars to take advantage.
Did you know that that your chances of being burgled are higher when you move home?
The following information gives you advice on how to make your home and possessions more secure.
Before you move
Estate Agents
- Ensure the Estate Agents you invite into your home provide a photo I.D card
- When you have selected an Estate Agent ask them to keep you updated of all enquiries.
- If you are out a lot ask the Estate Agent to be discreet about the details they give out about you and your home.
- Ask the Estate Agent to remove the board as soon as the property is sold.
- You will also require a Home Information Pack. By law the Domestic Energy Assessor must first make a suitable appointment and display a photo I.D card before entering your home.
Choosing the Right Area
- Research the area you want to move to, check the following website for information on crime, www.upmystreet.com/local/police-crime/figures
- Contact the local Council and ask to speak with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, they can advise on crime trends and any anti social behaviour issues in the area,
Finding the Right House
- Ask the previous occupants and their Estate Agents about crime in the area, has the house ever been burgled?
Using Trades People
Check that all people who have access to your home are trust worthy; ask yourself the following questions;
- Are they a member of a professional body?
- Will they be subcontracting some of the work?
- Have they asked for ‘cash up front’?
- Are they recommended?
- Do they advertise in the local press, Yellow Pages or magazines?
Never deal with people who only list a mobile phone number, or people who knock on your door, uninvited, offering services, (cold calling).
Key Management
- Always take care with your keys
- Only give keys to people you can trust
- Never give more keys than required
- Ask that your house details are not attached, on a label, to the keys
Insurance cover
- Remember to insure your belongings during the move, either through your own insurance or the removal firms insurance company
- Transfer your home insurance onto your new home and check that your contents are still fully insured, if you are moving into a larger house you may have to upgrade the cover.
Valuables
If you own valuable paintings, artefacts or jewellery, consider leaving with a bank or a trusted friend during the move, (remember to make sure your belongings remain insured).
Viewers and other callers
- Only allow people to view your home by prior appointment
- If someone calls at your door unannounced asking to view, direct them to the Estate Agent, if they are serious they will be happy to do so.
The removal van
- When agreeing a contract with a removal firm ensure they have adequate insurance and staff on the day. It is a good idea to hire a company whose workers wear a uniform or a name badge.
- Ask the removal firm if the vehicle can be locked when left, the workers will need a refreshment break at some point.
- Ask if the doors will be guarded during loading and unloading, this is an ideal time for the thief to make off with your possessions.
Moving Day
The day you move is hectic and stressful; burglars know this and are ready to exploit any situation.
- Make sure you are familiar with all workmen/deliverymen etc who are walking in and out of your old and new homes. A burglar would find it easy to mingle in with a crowd knowing that he/she is unlikely to be challenged, always be on your guard and if you do not recognise someone ask them to identify themselves, it is your home.
- Ask friends and neighbours to keep an eye on both homes and your belongings during the transition period.
- Don’t leave sheds, garages or conservatories insecure
- Take special care with small portable items which are easy to walk off with un-noticed.
Animals
It is likely that you will have remembered the children but what about the animals?
- Consider leaving the animals with a friend or kennels/catteries during the first day or two of the move. Remember cats and dogs can also be stolen
After the move
- Most neighbours will be keen to meet the new people in the area, introduce yourself at the earliest opportunity; your new neighbours will be a wealth of information.
- Consider changing or installing extra door locks, fit key operated locks to windows and, if appropriate, consider a house alarm, if there is an existing house alarm ensure the previous owner has left the code and change it at the first opportunity. If the alarm is connected to a monitoring service you will need to register your details with them, plan ahead so all this can be done as you move in.
- Have you moved into a Neighbourhood Watch Area, if so consider joining, inform your insurance company, they may reduce your premiums.
- Discuss the security of your new home with your insurance company, you may find that with enhanced systems you will be offered a reduction on the cost of your policy.
New Belongings
When buying new goods for your home, be careful about leaving boxes out on show, they make a good advertisement for burglars. Take all tell tale packaging to the local Council tip for recycling, as soon as possible.
Mark your belongings
Your postcode and house number should be marked on all your belongings, if found the Police will know who they belong to.
Thieves are often put off by marked property as it is difficult for them to sell and increases the chance of them being caught.
Keep your own list of the make, model and serial number of these items. Take photos of any valuable items that can’t be marked, like jewellery. Ask at your local police station for advice on how to get ‘post coded property’ stickers that you could put in your windows.
Your YDEA Domestic Energy Assessor will provide you with a free ultra violet marker pen and information pack.