The ten step guide to stopping a burglar
A burglary at home can be a devastating experience that can impact on the whole family. Despite this, many homes are remarkably insecure. One-in-three burglars don't even have to force their way in - they get in through an open window or a door that has been left unlocked.
Removing this kind of temptation and taking simple steps to secure your home could prevent an estimated 90% of all buglaries.
Follow our ten step guide to find out how
Doors and windows
Do you always lock your doors and windows, even when you are gone for just a few moments?
If you leave doors or accessible windows open or unlocked, you are making life very easy for a burglar who can be in and out of your house in seconds.
Also check that your doors and window frames are in good condition, and upgrade front and back door locks to those conforming to British Standard BS3621.
Garages and sheds
Do you always lock tools, garden equipment and ladders away?
Equipment such as DIY tools and ladders can easily be sold on by a burglar or worse still, used to break into your home. Lock them away, every time you use them and use good quality fixings and a padlock to secure shed and garage doors. Use anti-tamper screws or smear hard setting glue on the screw heads.
For extra protection, install a mains powered or battery powered shed alarm. And mark your equipment by painting your postcode on it, or using a forensic property marking product.
Outside security
Do you have outdoor security lights, and strong locks on your side and back gates?
Outdoor lighting can deter a burglar as they won't want to be exposed when approaching your property. We recommend low wattage lighting that comes on automatically at dusk and goes off at dawn.
Burglars favour breaking and entering at the rear of your house, where they are less likely to be seen. Deter them by installing good quality gates, secured with robust locks.
Property marking
Have you security marked your valuable property in your home, or registered it with a property database?
Laptops, cameras and other valuable items are all good pickings for a burglar. Register electrical equipment (using the serial numbers) with an online property registration database such as Immobilise. For other valuable property, such as jewellery and antiques photograph each item and add a written description.
You should also uniquely mark your property using a forensic marking product and use overt warning signage or stickers to act as an extra deterrent.
Burglar alarms
Do you have a burglar alarm, and if so, do you set it whenever you leave your home?
Burglars will always favour homes that don't have an alarm. If you don’t have an alarm, get one fitted and set it every time you leave your house, even if it is just a for a few moments.
There are various options when it comes to choosing an alarm and you should seek advice from a security company that is accredited with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB).
Neighbourhood Watch
Are you a member of a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme?
Neighbours’ keeping an eye out on each others’ homes is a deterrent to burglars and research shows that Neighbourhood Watch effectively reduces crime in 79% of cases (when compared to similar geographic areas without such schemes). Neighbourhood Watch also generates feelings of safety and reassurance so join your local scheme or start one up if there isn't one in your area.
Contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 for advice about schemes in your area.
When you are out or away
Do you take extra home security precautions when you are out or away?
Burglars love empty homes and usually won't risk breaking into a property if they think it is occupied. We advise that you:
- Use automatic timer switches to turn interior lights on and off
- Close your curtains if you are out for the evening
Whilst on holiday:
- Cancel milk, newspaper and other regular deliveries
- Ask a trusted neighbour to pick up your post, and open and close your curtains morning and evening
Keys
Are you careful about where you leave your keys?
Leaving door or car keys in view and within easy reach of a door or window can be very tempting for a burglar.
Always hide your keys indoors in a safe place out of site and leave spare house keys with a friend or neighbour. Burglars know to look under flowerpots or doormats, or in greenhouses or garages.
Communal entrances
Do you make sure that you never buzz strangers in or ensure strangers don't follow you in?
You have a responsibility to others in your building to keep burglars out. Make sure strangers don't 'tailgate' you through communal entrances and don't let strangers in on your neighbours’ behalf.
entrances and don't let strangers in on your neighbours’ behalf.
Distraction burglary
Do you always use a spy hole or engage the door chain before answering a knock on the door?
Take care when answering your door if you are not expecting visitors. Use a door chain, a door bar or a spy hole and check the callers identity card carefully if they are from a utility company.
If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call 999 immediately but the golden rule is 'if in doubt, keep them out'.