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Even though the media would let you think that burglaries happen all the time, they are rarer than you think. Most burglaries are committed by opportunists who given the chance, will help themselves to your property. So the simple way to avoid becoming a victim is by eliminating these opportunities in turn preventing your property becoming the next target.
The following list of hints and tips is not exhaustive however if you take away one idea then that is a step in the right direction. The more security measures you put in place to prevent falling victim to a burglary then your insurer will be more likely to pay out, the offender more likely to be caught, and your premium less likely to increase as much.
Start by reviewing you home security
Regularly repair and update your existing security. Locks seize up, light bulbs wear out and alarms become outdated. Unless your security measures are up to the task then it does matter what you do, you become vulnerable, which brings me on to the following tips.
Cut back your bushes and keep your garden tidy
It’s all very well having a lovely bushy garden that is the envy of the street but this is not necessarily going to put off would be burglars. Thick foliage is a perfect hiding place for any criminal and if bricks or ladders are left outside you are simply providing burglars with a helping hand to break into your house.
Lay gravel
Go to a DIY or garden store and get yourself some bags of gravel to lay along your pathway. Gravel not only keeps your garden tidy but it will also alert you to the fact that there is someone in your garden. Most burglars are cowards and will run off as soon as they know someone is at home.
Install a burglar alarm
A lot of households have fake security alarms which may act as a deterrent but will not actually warn neighbours if your house gets broken into. So go one step better and get a reputable security company to install an alarm system. Some alarm systems have a direct link to a control centre and if the alarm system is triggered, the police will automatically be called.
Install security lights
Security lights are fairly cheap and easy to install and there are plenty of different designs to suit any house. They can be put on timers, turned on permanently or alternatively set to turn on when someone walks into your garden. Another excellent way of letting you know someone is there.
Change your locks
I bet you are one of the many people who have moved into your home and not changed your door locks? If your house has changed hands a few times and the locks have never been changed then there is a very good chance that someone still has a key to your house. Call a reputable locksmith and get them to change your door locks immediately if in doubt. If you only have a night latch on your front door, get a dead lock as well to keep the door secure.
Buy a new front door / install a new door frame
This can be an expensive improvement but there are plenty of doors on the market made of different durable materials at affordable prices. Some doors now come with internal locking systems that are secured into points around the frame. These doors are a lot stronger and more difficult for a person to get through.
It’s worth noting that your front door is only as good as the door frame that’s holding it. A good boot can simply rip the door lock out of some frames so although replacing the frame could work out expensive, it could be a worthwhile investment. There are a number of tougher frames on the market including steel frames.
Lock your windows and doors
Shut and lock your windows and doors when you go out or go to bed. There is a very good chance that an open window will attract some attention and could seriously affect your insurance claim.
Don’t leave your keys by the front door
Keep you car and house keys separately and don’t leave keys in the front door or by the letterbox which can be easily grabbed by would be thieves.
Put your lamps and radio’s on timers
Put the timer on at staggered times through the evening so the lamp and/or radio switches on before you get in from work. If it appears that someone is home it will hopefully put off a nearby criminal.
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