Beat the Burglars
Police statistics show that homes with simple security measures in place are five times less likely to be burgled. Just a few steps can make a big difference and give you peace of mind. So here are just a few tips to help you prepare your home and property to keep it safer. If you want more advice then www.ourwatch.org. uk (the national Neighbourhood Watch Network) has plenty of ’toolkits’ and information to protect yourself against burglary.
And our local Neighbourhood Networking website (www.nelwatch.org.uk) has regular updates too.
Burglars are put off by:
– lights
– strong locks
– double glazing or glass that’s difficult to break
– Neighbourhood Watch badges (visit www.nelwatch.org.uk)
– good working alarms
Most burglars are not master criminals — they’re opportunists. In nearly a third of all burglaries the residents had left windows or a door open when they went out. You can make life more difficult for burglars.
Outside
It’s not unusual for burglars to use items found in a garden shed to break into your home. Many people underestimate the value of the items they store in their shed,
garage or garden. Unfortunately, criminals are fully aware of the value of the goods that some people do store in vulnerable
places. The following advice can help to keep your property secure and reduce the chance of you becoming a victim of crime.
Inside
The evidence suggests that once thieves have broken into your home and got away with it, they may be back again in a short pace of time unless you do something to prevent it from recurring. If positive action is taken, you will substantially reduce the chance of a repeat visit.
Going Out
– Lock doors & windows. – Don’t leave keys in door or window locks.
– Close curtains when out and leave a light or radio on (use timer switches)
Going On Holiday
– Cancel milk and newspapers.
– Cut lawn before you go.
– Don’t put your home address on luggage labels on your outward journey.
– Ask someone to look after your house, collect post and draw/open curtains
Ensure you don’t make it easier for someone to break into your home:
– Restrict access to your garden with gates and fences that are
difficult to climb over or get through.
– Keep bushes and trees low, burglars hate being on view. You can also use prickly plants to prevent access.
– Use movement activated floodlights and garden lighting to un-nerve burglars.
– Secure outbuildings, especially sheds and garages with a BS approved lock.
– Position your shed as near to your home as possible, so that it is clearly visible from your home. – Lock cycles — even when in garages.
– Record cycle frame numbers
– and get them security marked. – Put tools and ladders away, burglars may use them to gain entry.
– Lock lawn mowers to something bulky.
– Get a house alarm (BS: EN50131 standard) with bell boxes to front and rear. Consider extending the system to cover your garage and shed.
– Burglars don’t like gravel; it’s noisy to walk on.
– Paint your house number and postcode on your garden equipment e.g. lawnmower, strimmer and tools.
– Never leave spare keys hidden in your garden, garage or shed for children or family members; this could invalidate your home insurance