1. Install an effective burglar alarm.
Intruder alarm systems are inexpensive to fit and quickly alert you and your neighbours if an unwanted person is in your home. It is estimated that homes without intruder alarm systems are up to three times more likely to burgled than those with working alarm systems in place.
Moreover, use your intruder or burglar alarm. The number of burglaries that are reported each year where a homeowner has not turned on their alarm is remarkably high. The systems are extremely effective but they must be turned on to catch out unwanted visitors!
2. Install good lighting around the outside of your home
Often the effectiveness of adequate lighting around the house is underestimated by homeowners. Motion triggered sensors that turn on lights around access points and garages are actually extremely effective burglar deterrents. For one, the would-be burglar is likely to be startled if a light suddenly switches on and, of course, he or she does not want to be seen by any prying eyes!
3. Keep any valuable items, cash and wallets out of sight
It is estimated that well over half of burglaries occur whilst the home is occupied. What is more, around 40% of burglaries occur in broad daylight. The fact is, most burglars are opportunist thieves and will more than happily swipe a handbag, wallet or purse that has been left on display. To deter burglars, night and day, it is essential to keep all of your small valuables out of sight.
4. Lock your doors!
This may well seem like common sense, but it is estimated that around 20% of burglaries in the UK involve the burglar entering through a door. As mentioned, burglars are opportunists and will not think twice about nipping in through an open door to swipe a mobile phone, wallet or car keys. Before you leave your door be sure to check that it is locked and double check if you are leaving the room or are going upstairs.
5. Take extra care if you are going away
Often, burglars will stake out a house or a street for a number of days, even weeks before attempting a burglary. As a result, they grow accustomed to the habits and patterns of the people living there. If you are going away on business or holiday it is important to give potential burglars the impression that you are still at home.
Set televisions, lights and radio sets on a timer so that anyone watching your house sees these devices come on and off. This will help cast the illusion that you are at home. In addition, leave a car parked in the centre of your drive. If you only have one car, ask that a neighbour uses your drive for the duration of your absence. In any case, ask a neighbour to keep an eye out over your property.
Taking on board these simple pieces of advice could well be the difference between staying safe and falling victim to burglary. If the worst should happen and you do fall prey to the predators, always contact the police – even if you feel like it won’t do any good. At the very least it will go down as a statistic in your area to warn others of potential burglary.
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