Sometimes we tend to take it for granted that our homes are secure. A good many burglaries are committed by opportunistic criminals. Open or unlocked doors and windows are used to gain quick and easy access to homes.
Good home security, such as using window and door locks, is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled.
If you are a Homeowner or Landlord spending money on security for your property is a good investment. Security fittings will last a long time and can add value to your property. Make sure that your home security improvements don’t stop you escaping from the property quickly if there is a fire. Safety is important while you are in the property AND security is important while away.
Preventing Burglary
- Check all doors and windows for any weaknesses
- Fit mortise locks to all front and back doors and locks to all downstairs windows or windows which are easy to reach.
- Fit barrel locks to the top and bottom of doors
- Make sure you keep the appropriate keys nearby in case of an emergency
- Keep your house and car keys safe and away from doors and windows.
- Ensure your burglar alarm is installed properly and works. If you don’t have a burglar alarm consider installing one.
- When you are away from home, use timer switches to turn on some lights when it goes dark.
- Make sure you have up-to-date contents insurance
- Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries when you go away.
- Before you go out, go into each room in the house and make sure all the windows are tightly shut and locked. A burglar may be less likely to enter your home if a window needs to be smashed. Check all doors leading into your home are secure and locked.
- If you have a garage, put your car inside if you are not using it
- Recent improvements in car security mean that the easiest way for a thief to steal a car is to break into your house and steal the keys for it therefore keep car keys were they will not be easily found
- Ensure your main garage door is shut and locked.
- If there are any bicycles or toys sitting around the outside of the house, put them away.
Protect Your Keys
- Always keep your keys safe
- Never give keys to workmen or tradesmen
- Change your locks if you think other people might have copies
Selling Your Home
- Never show people around on your own
- Ask your estate agent to send a representative with anyone viewing your house
Vacant Property
The value of scrap copper, lead and other metals makes the theft of these and similar materials by criminals an attractive proposition. This has resulted in the targeting of lead from roofs on churches, sports club buildings, unoccupied dwellings and of course new buildings under construction. Vacant commercial premises and premises specialising in the sale of copper, lead and similar products have also been targeted. Properties without security measures in place are ten times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures, such as quality door locks.