How you can reduce the risk of being burgled
ITCC has written this article, to help people and businesses to remain safe by reducing the risk of being burgled.
Burglar Alarm
A burglar alarm with a bell box and flashing light at the front of the property is one of the most effective ways to deter a burglar. Burglar alarm systems use motion sensors in addition to window and door contact detectors to identify any unwelcome entrance into your home. Burglar alarms come in both wired and wireless versions. The mere site of an alarm can deter a break in from occurring. We also recommend changing the password once a month, just a a precaution.
Door Locks
We recommend installing ABS locks on your front and back doors. ABS locks carry the British Standard kitemark and come with the highest security rating which is 3 stars. We also recommend installing a mortice locking additions to bolts at the top and bottom of the door, a peep hole and a door chain. Another suggestion if you don’t have one already fitted, install a light by the front door. More information can be found here on how to make your home a more secure place.
Burglars tend to prefer gaining access through the side and back doors, where there is less chance of them being seen. Security lighting in these areas will help deter any attempt. However make sure you don’t disturb your neighbours, you can do this by installing a motion sensor light as opposed to a light which turns on when it’s dark. Check with your insurance company as you may need to fit certain types of locks to your exterior doors, in order to validate your insurance.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving their keys in the door DONT MAKE THIS MISATAKE. Another mistake people tend to make is leaving there keys in the hallway near the front door. This is a big mistake as criminals have developed tactics to steal these keys using a metal coat hanger. They simple slide the metal coat hanger through the post box then hook it around the keys and pull them out, and in one minute you’ve lost your car and homes keys.
Skylights and Attics
You may live in a semi-detached or terrace property with a loft conversion. You’re at risk from being burgled from above. Burglars may swoop down from the skylights or loft hatches. So to prevent this fit bolts to your loft trap and purchase some skylight locks.
Sheds, Outbuildings and Tools
Pricy machinery such as lawn mowers, bikes, hedge trimmers are popular targets for burglars so ensure you keep these items secured in your shed, garage or out building. Additionally burglars can also use ladders and other tools to gain entry to your home, so ensure they are secured, you could even put heavy chains through a ladder or a bike to make them more difficult to move.
Did you know you can extend your burglar alarm to reach your shed; this is a very good idea to protect one of the weakest and most vulnerable areas of your property. We also strongly recommend you purchase a strong padlock, one with the screws hidden which make them difficult to break and pick.
Patio Doors
Make sure your sliding doors can’t be lifted or sprung off their runners. Secondly fit each door with locking bolts to both the top and bottom.
Fences and Hedges
Tall walls, fences or hedges do provide you with privacy however they are also a good spot for burglars to stay hidden. So any overgrown shrubbery, cut to a reasonable level and any other areas which someone could remain hidden you may want to install CCTV cameras to monitor these blind spots.
Side gates
If you live in a detached or semi detached home you may have a side gate which leads to the garden, ensure this gate is locked, with strong locks and bolts and ensure it difficult to climb over, you could bang some nails into the top leaving half the nail exposed or anti climb paint for example.
Windows and glass
Ensure all your windows have locks on the frames. Single glazed windows tend to be easier to break, we recommend you install double glazed windows; they won’t only keep your home more secure. But they will also keep your home warmer in the winter, saving you money on your energy bills. For glass panels we recommend installing wire mesh this will make it harder for the thieves to break through, even if they smash the glass.
