As we head towards the summer, it’s not unusual for folk to start thinking about their weight and how they’ll look in their new summer attire! If you wish to lose weight quickly, there are a number of ways to help assist you – weight loss clubs and groups seem to be a popular choice… You can even hire the services of certain companies who will deliver ready made meals, shakes, cereals and bars to your home, to help in you fight with the flab.

The downside to using these services is the cost, and in a time when people are trying to save money, unfortunately this may not be seen as a viable option.

Of-course, there are cheaper alternatives to choose from, such as power-walking or jogging round the local park or woodland area to try and help lose those extra few pounds. However, as we at CPP are constantly telling our readers, no matter how light it may be in the morning or evening, there is always the risk and becoming a victim of crime.

Opportunist thieves know that many ‘joggers’ head out on their run using iPods and smart phones as preferred devices to listen to their music on, and according to the latest British Crime Survey “The police recorded a 5 per cent increase in theft from persons, and a 3 per cent increase in robbery”.

If you are exercising outdoors, then we at Crime Prevention Products recommend that you:

• Always try to exercise in a group, try not to do by yourself.
• If you have to exercise alone always tell someone where you are going and the route you will be taking.
• Always stick to a route you know, many parks now have well lit areas where people can exercise.
• If you do need to listen to music then only plug-in one earpiece to make sure you are aware of other people around you.
• Always carry a personal alarm around with you, these will help alert other people that you need assistance.

Here at Crime Prevention Products we stock a variety of personal alarms which are ideal for those that are heading out on their new fitness regimes.

However, installing home security systems can sometimes be an expensive outlay and families with financial commitments may understand the benefits of a home security system but just can’t commit due to the cost involved.

Over the last year, Crime Prevention Products has been warning our readers about the real threat of opportunistic theft and the fact that it only takes an instant for someone to steal your property.

This is why, we feel everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home… And why many home owners shouldn’t have to ‘break the bank‘ to afford home security.

At Crime Prevention Products we have a range of security hardware products that will ensure your goods are kept safe, without it costing you a small fortune…

Enhance Window Security
Products such as window bolts, window opening restrictor kits and universal press-operated window bolts can restrict the amount of theft through an unguarded window.

Enhance Door Security
There’s nothing more disturbing than an unexpected chap at the door, secure your door with a heavy duty door chain or better still a 180 degree door viewer so you can see who is waiting on your doorstep.

These are only a few examples, that we have to offer, which can protect your possessions without it costing you a small fortune. Look through our website, it’s got everything you’ll ever need for home security.

In Britain, over the summer, there are a plethora of summer festivals happening… Ranging from free open air concerts to world famous music festivals such as T in the Park, Isle of Wight Festival and Radio 1′s Big Weekend…
Where top bands can be seen headlining over a 3-4 day period. Over the summer months many ‘revellers’ head to these festivals and the last thing on their minds is their own personal safety.

At Crime Prevention Products we understand that festival-goers will be too busy listening to their favourite musical tracks and having a good time than spend time worrying if their tent or possessions are safe. Which is why we’ve decided it’s time to publish a few quick & easy tips for anyone that’s heading off to their favourite summer musical festival to remember.

• Don’t keep all your cash and valuables in the same place, try and spread them around in different pockets/hiding places.
• We all know how the opportunistic thief works, so try and make life hard for him, leave your tent in a mess (shouldn’t be too hard this one), hide all bags under clothes or sleeping bags – leave nothing at hand.
• If you have to travel by car then leave nothing of value in it, empty your glove compartment and leave it open for all to see.
• Try and pitch your tent next to a friends as they can look after your possessions and vice versa.
• Most importantly, if you find someone looking through your possessions don’t tackle them on your own, report them to site security/police as soon as possible.

Of course it helps to prepare for a Gap Year break. However, for every student ‘Gapper‘ that takes time to plan their backpacking adventure by reading up on the places they’ll be visiting and immersing themselves in the local culture, you’ll also have those who’ll just head off into the unknown to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

Here at CPP we want ALL ‘Gappers’ to return home safely from their travels! Which is why we stock a selection of Backpacking Safety products that are specifically designed for Gap Year backpacking students. As we always insist, it’s advisable to be prepared for any threat to your personal security.

Below are a few helpful tips that you can follow to help keep yourself safe:

• Be careful when you’re around Banks and Cash Machines! Always make sure your cash is pocketed safely on your body and never count your cash in public.
• Try not too wear brand clothing and expensive jewellery whilst out trekking.
• Always keep your passport, cash and travel documents in a safe place.
• If you have to leave your place of residence ensure that your backpack/case is securely locked or placed in a secure area.

If you’re a student planning on taking a Gap Year adventure, then please check out the countries you’ll be visiting first and make sure you have the latest foreign travel advice before you leave!

The noise of lawns getting their first cut of the year is easily noticeable, as residents get about tidying up their flower beds and trimming hedges in an attempt to bring their gardens back to life.

Gardening equipment isn’t cheap to purchase, which is why it’s always sought after amongst thieves… They can sell it on quickly as demand for high quality gardening equipemnt at a cheap price is always high. Plus, if they get access to your garden equipment it’s a good bet they’ll also rob you off any power tools lying around.

With the clocks ‘springing’ forward one hour, the likelihood of burglary from your garden shed will jump up by more than 25% according to Norwich Union Home Insurance.

Opportunist thieves will steal lawnmowers, hedge cutters, wheelbarrows, rakes, spades… The list is endless. Which is why Crime Prevention Products constantly warn our readers regarding home and garden security.

One way to reduce the risk of garden theft is to install the Illumicam Security Floodlight which comes with a hidden digital camera and audible warning system. This remarkable security device will not only light up your garden once it detects movement but will also take a 2 megapixal picture or video clip to help capture anyone that happens to walk into your garden uninvited.

This year take your garden security seriously and don’t become another victim to garden theft.

Hundreds of thousands of people will start their Spring keep fit regime over the next week or so. Local parks and well known running routes will soon see an influx of joggers and power walkers of every shape and size determined to drop that dress size or take the belt buckle down a knotch.

As residents purchase tracksuits, trainers, iPods and even water bottles to make themselves look the part, there is one essential part of a joggers or power walkers ‘kit’ that shouldn’t be left out and that’s a personal protection alarm.

It only takes a few seconds for an assailant to assault you, as you walk or jog past that poorly lit area of the park, or by leaping out at you from behind a parked car or bush. By wearing a Wrist Alarm Personal Safety Alarm, which have been deigned for joggers and power walkers in mind, it will emit an ear piercing 130 dB Alarm, buying you the time required to make your escape.

This year, whilst thinking about your keep fit regime, consider your own personal safety regime as well.

In just a few weeks time, thousands of caravans will be hitting our roads, as they head off to their little bit of paradise. However, there will also be those caravan enthusiasts that will be missing out on all the excitement due to the fact that their pride and joy has disappeared from their gardens, driveways and compounds.

As we head into Spring and then Summer there is a sharp increase in the amount of caravans that are stolen, or attempted to be stolen, and the sad thing is that many will not have been insured (as it’s not a legal requirement in the UK).

Here at CPP we understand that many of our readers love nothing better than to hitch up their ‘van’ and head off to enjoy their ‘sense of freedom’. We also know that if a criminal really wants to break-in to your pride and joy then chances are they will!

However, deterrence is often the best form of prevention, that’s why we have several caravan security devices that will prevent anyone from simply driving off with your mobile home from home.

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of spring cleaning, however, with your doors and windows ‘wide open to the world‘ you need to make sure you’re not ‘inviting in‘ someone who is looking to help themselves to something of yours.

Opportunistic thieves will take full advantage of an open door or window, helping themselves to some ‘easy money’. If you’re going to spring clean in the next few weeks, think about what you’re leaving in full view for any passers by to notice… Where do you leave your car keys? Is your hand bag just dangling over the dining chair, just a few feet from the window? Those valuable ornaments sitting next to the door, how quickly would it take for someone to just snatch them. Would you notice straightaway? Don’t make it easy for an opportunist thief to just ‘breeze’ in with the wind and be off with your possessions.

At CPP we have the perfect home security hardware such as window locks that will allow you to open your windows just enough to let the fresh air in and keep sneak thiefs out… We also stock plenty of Door Security Products that will allow you to ‘vacuum in peace‘ in the knowledge that the most vulnerable part of your home – the door – is secure.

This year spring clean in confidence without someone taking you to the cleaners!

Image courtesy of www.london2012.com

With all this ‘extra cash flowing around’ many businesses will see this as a much needed lifeline to fight back against crippling economic times. However, it’s not all good news. As we’ve mentioned in previous posts there are criminal gangs that will do their best to exploit the London Olympics for their own needs.

Police have already been fighting to shutdown fake websites looking to coin-in on the London Olympics by promoting themselves as ticket resellers, bogus hotel rooms and guesthouses. Around 100 people have been arrested by the Police over fake websites related to the London Olympics. When you consider that rooms are going for £600 per night, you can see why this scam is big business.

At ground level, the biggest threat to the local economy will be counterfeit money. Retailers will be the main target for passing over fraudulent money and with many businesses expected to take on extra staff, it’s imperative that part-time staff are given full training on how to check and handle fake money.

Once you’ve received counterfeit money you’re required by law to hand it in at the nearest bank where it will be destroyed, ultimately leaving you with no goods and even more distressingly no cash.

Here at Crime Prevention Products we understand that this Summer London Olympics many businesses are hoping to cash in on the extra visitors heading to our capital city. So to ensure that every penny that is handed over your counter is legitimate we have a range of Counterfeit Detection devices that are designed to show staff which notes are real and which are fake – simply and quickly. In this Olympic year, don’t let someone run off with your goods!