Opportunists, intruders, burglars & thieves
How to Protect your Home
There are many small, simple changes that you can make that will help protect your home from intruders and burglars. A burglar doesn't want to get caught so they will choose the homes that look empty and have very little security.
By following our home security tips, a burglar should choose an easier option further along the road.
- Keep your doors, windows, and gate to your back garden locked at all times. Popping out to the shops and leaving just one window open is all it takes for an opportunist to jump in and grab a few things.
- Always make your home look occupied especially if you are going away for the day or on holiday. You can buy timing switches that will put on a light in the evening.
- When you are at home, don't keep your house or car keys near the front door. Burglars can get them from a hook from your letterbox and steal your car without even breaking in. Or if they do break in, don't make it easy for them to steal your car as well.
- Remove valuable items from view. Don't leave jewellery or laptops near a window. This makes it easy for a burglar to grab easy to sell items and run.
- Keep ladders and tools stored away in a locked shed or garage. People will often leave an upstairs window open as they believe it is safe but it won't be if you have left a ladder lying outside or have a wheely bin nearby that can help the burglar get to the open windows.
Although all these tips do make a difference, you can make your home much more secure by installing some security systems. Depending on where you live, the number of local break-ins, and your type of house, a wireless burglar alarm may be sufficient. However, if you live in an area with a high burglary rate or have many valuables it would be wise to also install CCTV. Good quality house security systems can now be installed for an affordable price and it may even reduce your house insurance premium.
