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Preventing crime
Here you can read useful information about preventing crime. Select a topic to find out more.
- Crime and safety
- Support and information sources
- Neighbourhood information
- Preventing crime fact sheet
Crime and safety
Bogus callers
Before opening the door to callers to your home:- Stop to think if you're expecting someone to call.
- Secure the door bar or chain before opening the door (for fire safety reasons door chains or bars should only be used when answering the door).
- Ask for and check the caller's identification. Check the telephone number given by the caller. If you're unsure ask the person to come back when a friend or relative is present or call Quick Check on 0800 013 2290.
- Be wary of people calling offering to carry out work at your home. It's much better to get work carried out by a person you contacted and who was recommended by a friend or family member.
- For regular callers, such as electricity or gas company staff reading meters, you can give the supplier a specific password that only their staff will know and use when calling to read your meter. They will always carry their identity card as well.
- Report suspicious activity, vehicles and door-to-door callers to the police on 0845 600 8000.
- In most cases bogus callers are looking for cash so avoid having large sums of money at home.
Quick Check
Quick Check is a 24 hour, free phone service that allows you to check the identity of callers.When a caller arrives at your door, ask the caller to wait outside and ask for their name and the name of the company they represent. Call Quick Check on 0800 013 2290 and a member of the team will contact the organisation on your behalf to determine if the caller is genuine. If there is something suspicious the operator will contact the police for you and advise you on what to do next.
- Read more information on bogus callers
General crime prevention advice
- When you are in the house keep all doors locked.
- When you go out close all windows and lock doors. Don't leave spare keys under mats or flower pots.
- Use timer switches with lamps to make your house look occupied.
- When out and about don't carry large amounts of cash and don't carry your house keys and identification together.
- If you're carrying a handbag use one that has a zip.
- Avoid keeping pin numbers with bankcards.
- Consider carrying a personal attack alarm.
- Shred bank documents and utility bills when you no longer need them. Criminals can make use of your personal details if they find them.
- Mark valuable property with your postcode and house number using a permanent UV pen. You can also register your property with www.immobilise.com
- Never leave the keys in your car even if it is parked outside your door.
- Never leave valuable items on display in your car. Remove them or lock them out of sight.
Hate crime
If you've been a victim of crime because of your race, sexuality, disability, political opinion or religious belief you should report the incident to the police. Telephone 0845 600 8000 and ask for the Hate Incident and Minority Liaison Officer for more information or to report a crime.Domestic abuse
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has officers who are specially trained to deal with domestic violence. To speak to one of these officers contact your local police station on 0845 600 8000 and ask to speak to the domestic abuse officer.Women's Aid
Women's Aid provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women, with or without children, whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse.For advice or support telephone Women's Aid on 028 9066 6049 between 9am and 5.30pm or call their 24 hours helpline on 0800 9171 414.
Support and information sources
Victim Support
Victim Support Northern Ireland is a charity which helps people affected by crime. It is a completely independent organisation, offering a free and confidential service, whether or not a crime has been reported.They can provide:
- information on police and court procedure
- liaison with other organisations on your behalf
- advice and information on compensation insurance matters
- contact with other sources of help.
North and west Belfast
Telephone: 028 9024 3133
Email: nwbelfast@victimsupportni.org.uk
South and east Belfast
Telephone: 028 9032 8152
Email: sebelfast@victimsupportni.org.uk
Safety of seniors events
Throughout the year there are a number of safety of senior events which provide information to older people on home, personal and property safety. These events are delivered by a number of organisations including the police, Belfast City Council and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.If you're interested in finding out more about future events or want help with arranging an event contact our community safety team on 028 9032 0202.
Belfast safety pack
Belfast Community Safety Partnership has developed a series of safety leaflets. These include:- Personal safety
- Internet safety
- Driving down vehicle crime
- Home security
- Behaviour
- Going on holiday
- Respect
- Bogus callers
- Road safety
- Fireworks
- Christmas
- Get Home Safe
- Keep your money safe
How to raise community safety and policing issues
The District Policing Partnership regularly holds a series of public meetings to identify local policing issues which are raised by members of the public. The meetings offer a forum for discussion and all ages of the community are encouraged to attend. Details of these meetings are advertised in the local press.- Find out more about Belfast District Policing Partnership
Northern Ireland Policing Board's older people's reference group
The Northern Ireland Policing Board's older people's reference group is made up from members who represent organisations or networks that work with older people, for example Age NI, or have some specialised knowledge of the issues that affect older people in relation to crime and community safety.If you want to find out more about the work of the Policing Board or if your organisation would be interested in being part of the reference group, contact the Community Engagement Branch on 028 9040 8623.
- For information on the Policing Board, visit the NIPB website www.nipolicingboard.org.uk
Neighbourhood information
Neighbourhood watch
Neighbourhood watch aims to help people protect themselves and their property, and to reduce the fear of crime.It involves appointing a local scheme coordinator, encouraging other neighbours to participate, meeting with your local neighbourhood policing team, and keeping other local residents up-to-date with crime prevention advice.
Anyone can belong to a neighbourhood watch scheme and every community or neighbourhood can have one. If you'd like to set up a scheme or want more information, contact your local Community Safety Partnership or District Policing Partnership.
Belfast Community Safety Partnership
Telephone: 028 9032 0202 or 028 9027 0469
Email: communitysafety@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast District Policing Partnership
Telephone: 028 9027 0494
Email: dpp@belfastcity.gov.uk
Castlereagh Community Safety Team
Telephone: 028 9090 1201
Castlereagh District Policing Partnership
Telephone: 028 9049 4546
Email: dpp@castlereagh.gov.uk
Castlereagh neighbourhood watch coordinator
Telephone: 028 9090 1314
Community safety wardens
Belfast City Council's city-wide warden scheme provides up to 25 community safety wardens who work in teams of four and are in an area for three months. The area is decided on the basis of feedback from the PSNI and other partners, and on information coming from communities.When the warden service is in an area they will be seen in communities from 5pm to 3am and will provide a high visibility patrol service to tackle antisocial behaviour, reduce the fear of crime and improve the quality of life for everyone in that area.
- Find out more about our community safety wardens
NIHE Neighbourhood Warden Service
NIHE have appointed neighbourhood wardens in Belfast who provide a range of on-site services to residents. Duties of the wardens include environmental management, housing management, community involvement and helping tenants with tenancy conditions.You can contact your local district office on 0844 892 0902 for further information about your local neighbourhood wardens, the areas they cover, and how to contact them.
General disputes with neighbours
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) offers a free mediation service to tenants or anyone who finds themselves in dispute with Housing Executive tenants.For further information, contact your local Housing Executive district office on 0844 892 0900 or visit the NIHE website
Noise and nuisances
If you're having problems with noise in your area then we can investigate complaints about the following types of noise:- Noisy parties, including music and shouting
- Loud music from pubs and clubs
- Noisy neighbours
- Intruder or fire alarms
- Loud TV or radio
- Noise from DIY
- Building work
- Barking dogs
- Air conditioning or ventilation systems.
- Find out more about our noise control service
Antisocial behaviour
Antisocial behaviour could be defined as acting in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons.If you're a victim of antisocial behaviour report all incidents to the PSNI, Housing Executive or council giving details of what happened, where, what time, names or descriptions of who was involved and the effect the behaviour had on you.
- Find out about our Safer Neighbourhood Antisocial Behaviour Programme
Preventing crime fact sheet
This fact sheet gives general advice on preventing crime and tips for dealing with bogus callers at your home.
Download the preventing crime fact sheet (Word - 86KB)
