Advice: How to Protect Your Home from Burglars
Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures. Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference.
Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe and secure.
Here are a few tips:
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Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key).
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Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox. (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox).
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Install a visual burglar alarm.
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Install good outside lighting.
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Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.
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Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied.
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Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition.
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Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage.
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Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.
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Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
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Ensure rear fencing is in good repair.
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Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges.
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Register your Phones, Gadgets, Bicycles and more with The National Property Register.
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Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
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Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows.
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Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault.
Bicycle Theft
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Bicycles can be some of the easiest vehicles for thieves and vandals to target. Protect yourself from becoming a victim by following some simple steps:
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Get a good bike lock.
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Lock your bike to something secure, even if only for a few minutes and avoid isolated places - leave your bike where a potential thief can be seen.
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Lock up removable parts (e.g. wheels) and take light fittings with you.
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Have your bike's frame security-marked or engraved.
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Take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features.
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At home, keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked.
Doors and Windows
In most burglaries, the criminals broke into the house or flat through the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. So make sure your doors are strong and secure. Consider fitting a bar for extra strength; a locksmith can advise you on how best to do it.
Glass panels on doors are particularly vulnerable. If you have one on your door you could replace it with laminated glass, which is stronger. You can also buy a film in a DIY store that you can stick over the glass to make it harder to break.
Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit most kinds of windows. Fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and those upstairs that are easy to reach.