Did you know that in the UK a burglary takes place every 108 seconds?1
There are many simple, yet effective, ways to decrease your chances of becoming a victim of theft or home invasion. Read our home security advice to learn how to safeguard your property - many of them are easy to implement and require little investment.
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CCTV Systems – Having a CCTV System is a strong visual deterrent for burglars but can also be used to collect evidence if a crime is committed. Many CCTV Systems can now be viewed remotely so that you can have eyes on your property from anywhere in the world.
Related: Is a home security system worth the investment?
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Intruder Alarm – Installing a home Intruder Alarm is a good way to show that you take security seriously. Intruder Alarm Systems can be designed specifically for each home to offer the best coverage and keep your home secure. Intruder alarm systems can also be controlled remotely through an App on your Smart device - giving you a double layer of visual surveillance at all times.
Owning an Intruder Alarm may help to reduce the cost of home insurance, so it is worth checking with your Insurance Provider about the benefits that it could offer to your premium.
Related: Which burglar alarm system is best - wired or wireless?
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Notes on the Door – If you are expecting a delivery but may not be home, never leave a note on the door. Ask a friend or neighbour to wait for the parcel or arrange for the parcel to be delivered somewhere else or at a different time. Advertising that no one is home could trigger criminal activity.
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Forgetting your Keys – Avoid the temptation to use the ‘spare key under the mat’ or the ‘spare key under the plant pot’ tactic. A burglar could effortlessly find a key and have full access to walk straight into your home. Consider asking a neighbour or family member that you trust to look after a spare key for you.
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Hide Valuables – Never leave valuables such as laptops, mobile phones, or jewellery in plain sight. Many burglaries are opportunistic – meaning that the burglar did not plan to steal something but sees the chance and takes it. Get into the habit of keeping expensive items inside drawers and cupboards when they are not being used.
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Property Care – Keeping your home maintained will not just help with curb side appeal - overgrown grass and bushes can send out a message that a homeowner is away or that the house is no longer occupied. Ensure that your property looks lived in. If you are going away for a week or two, cut the grass before you leave or ask your neighbour to give the lawn a once over if they are attending to their own.
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Rubbish Bins – It’s not uncommon for burglars to use your rubbish bin as an indication as to whether your home is a good target. Leaving packaging from expensive purchases on show is a pretty good indication that those expensive items are inside your home. Ensure that packaging is bagged or torn up so that it is unrecognisable to the opportunistic burglar.
Similarly, leaving your bins out while you are on holiday shows that the house is unoccupied. Ask a friend or neighbour to bring in the bins for you and offer to do the same for them when they are away.
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Know your Neighbours – Get to know those living around you. If you see something suspicious, make your neighbours aware – it can be extremely advantageous to have multiple eyes looking out for you and your property.
Related: What to do when your Neighbour’s alarm goes of?
- Timed Lighting – Consider the use of timers in your home. These can be used to turn on lights when you are away from your property, giving the impression that someone is home.
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Flood Lights – Burglars love places to hide and would much rather target a home that is covered in darkness than one that is lit up like a Christmas tree. Flood lights can be used to light up the space outside your home. Motion detector lighting can be used so that the area is illuminated only when movement is detected.
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Window Foliage – When positioning plants on your property, be mindful of how these can be used to make burglaries as difficult as possible. Those with thorns, such as rose bushes, below a first floor window could discourage someone from attempting to break into your home this way.
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House Sitter – If you are going away on holiday or will be attending an event, consider hiring a house sitter or asking a family member to check in on your home.
Related: How to keep your home safe whilst away on holiday
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Keep Windows Closed – If you are not at home or if you are sleeping, close as many windows as you can. It can be tempting to leave windows open, especially in warm weather, but for burglars this is a chance for them to steal what they want without even having to break their way in. Remember: Open windows are open invitations.
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Change the Locks – If you have lost a set of keys or are moving into a different house,change the locks straight away! There is no way of knowing who might be able to access your home unless you can be sure that all keys are accounted for and in trustworthy hands.
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Gravel – A home with gravel can be a nightmare for burglars and is a great deterrent. Unwanted visitors will be unable to move around outside without making a noise and alerting others to their presence.
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Calendars – Ensure that your schedule is not on show for the world to see. A passing burglar looking through the window could see exactly where you will be and when. Having the knowledge that the house will be unoccupied could mean that your home is a bigger target. Keep your family calendar somewhere out of view from the outside.
Bonus Tip – If you are the last one leaving your home and you see someone suspicious walking around your estate , simply say ‘Good-bye’ loudly as you leave your house. It will give the impression that someone is still inside! Be sure to keep in contact with your neighbours and call the Police if you are concerned that criminal activity is happening.
1 www.theecoexperts.co.uk/home-security/burglary-statistics