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.
4Homes Essentials
Property Search
UK Region Ratings
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.
Once part of your new community it can be easy to become complacent but there are several ways to be proactive and help maintain low crime rates.
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
Check out the mortgage calculator, loans, credit cards & savings comparison tools
Your Comments
Post your comment
Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in to Channel 4:
Sign In Here or Register Here
Comments closed
Comments are closed at the present time
Comments
Thank you for your comment!
Your message will be reviewed and the best ones will be published below.
If you intended to make an official comment to Channel 4 please contact us.