Burglary, Theft and Robbery

Definitions:

• Burglary is when an individual or group break into a building with the intention of stealing, hurting someone or committing unlawful damage.
• Theft is the act of taking something that belongs to someone else with the intention of keeping it.
• Robbery is the act of taking something by force and intimidation.

Actions to consider

• In an emergency always call 999.
• If personal items have been stolen from the vehicle or property ensure that you contact the relevant organisations to cancel and report the stolen items, for example; passport, bank cards, driving licence.
• If your property has been damaged contact the relevant organisations to report the incident and get it repaired quickly, for example; insurance companies or local authority.
• Make your home look occupied and difficult to break in. Even if it is for a short time, lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed.
• If you are going to be away for a length of time use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark.
• If possible tell trusted neighbours, family or friends to check on your house if away for a prolonged period of time.
• If you have to walk alone at night take extra care. Stay on roads that are well lit and relatively busy.
• Avoid short cuts that involve alleyways or walking across parks or commons unless they are well-lit.
• If you’re carrying a bag, try to have it across your chest and keep your hand over the fastening.
• Be careful with your electronics; talking on a mobile phone or carrying a laptop bag shows thieves that you have something to steal.
• Don’t carry important documents or credit cards that you do not need.
• Speak to someone. We all need support at some time or another and asking for help can be difficult, Victim First are here when you want to talk.
• Visit Leicestershire Police for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

Victim First Can Provide:

• Emotional Support to cope and recover from the crime
• Information on other agencies
• Advice on Crime Prevention
• Practical support such as a personal alarm or window/door alarm
• Restorative contact between victim and offender
• Support using Language interpreters and British Sign Language interpreters