R
ecent statistics by the home office show that 90% of burglaries are opportunistic. A shocking statistic which shows that by being extra vigilant 90% of the current number of burglaries could have been prevented.
Home and business owners alike can become complaisant over time. Here are our top ten ways of making it harder for Burglars.
- First and foremost ensure your basic security measures are in place i.e. window and door locks compatible to the latest security standards, and use them! It is pointless having all the necessary locks in situ but leaving the door open when you pop around to a neighbours for that festive inpromptu glass of sherry!
- Install an Alarm/CCTV if you don`t already have one and make sure you use them.
- Fit exterior securty lights – at this time of year it is dark around 4pm, by fitting security lights and ensuring they are working, a burlar will be illuminated as he trys to gain access through your french windows. Something which will persuade them to go elsewhere.
- Add simple deterrents to your exterior – Placing some key additions to the exterior of your property can act as a deterrent. Gravel creates unwanted noise for the burglar, prickly hedge plants such as Holly or Berberis isnt quite as easy to scale or penetrate as Ivy or Laurel for instance and a locked side gate preventing intruders from accessing your rear garden are all relatively straight forward to add.
- If you normally park your car infront of your house but are going away over the festive period, perhaps ask a friend or neighbour if they would park infront of your house from time to time.
- Security timers – invest in a some timers so a few lamps can be set to come on when it gets dark to create the illusion of someone being at home.
- Do not display presents in full view of someone looking through the window. We all love the sight of presents under the tree but if they are visible to the passerby you may want to keep the curtains drawn or put them out of sight.
- Make sure you dispose of boxes sensibly – by putting the large box your new 50″ flat screen TV came in by the bins is almost an open invitation to the oportunist.
- Beware of social media – if you want to check in on facebook or post photographs on instagram do it when you get home!
- I know this sounds obvious but you will be amazed how many people still do this – if you have someone calling in to feed the cat, water the plants, move the post while you are away, do not leave a key under the flower pot!
Burglars will enter the home even when they are fully aware the house is occupied, so if you are in a different part of the building or are distracted by work, music etc.- keep your home and business secure.
As the popular TV programme, Crimewatch said “please do not have nightmares” our intention is not to scare you or ruin your Christmas but to provide you with some useful tips so you dont experience the upset and trauma of a burglary this Christmas.
If we can help at all to ensure you are fully secure please do not hesitate to contact us.
UK Locks and Alarms provide 24 hour locksmith services from their base in Warrington, across Cheshire, Manchester and Merseyside.
