The clocks went back at the end of October, meaning shorter days and many people coming home from work to a house in darkness. Unfortunately, this time of year also sees an increase in burglaries, so what can you do to keep your home safe?
Secure entry points
Many burglaries occur when thieves enter through an unlocked window or door. So, the first thing to do is to ensure you secure all potential entry points to your home. Check that your front and back doors have strong locks/deadbolts and, if you have sliding glass doors, consider getting glass break sensors which will let you know if someone attempts to force their way in. Pay attention to your garage security, especially if it has an internal door to your home. Windows should have strong locks and/or motion sensors fitted too, and make sure they are all closed whenever you go out.
Lights
Lights are great deterrents to somebody considering breaking into your home. Inside, use timer switches on lamps to make it look like you are there, even when you are not (keep curtains and blinds closed so nobody can look in, leaving small gaps so the lights can be seen from the outside). Fit sensor lights around the outside of your house so anybody approaching will be clearly lit up.
Boundaries
Tall fences, topped with anti-climb devices, or thorny hedges around the rear and sides of your property are a good idea as they make it much harder to access, but keep them lower at the front of your house or you are making it easier for burglars to stay out of sight. Although it may feel counterintuitive, a lower fence means less cover for somebody to hide behind, and more chance they will be spotted by somebody passing by.
Alarms
Visible alarm boxes, one at the front and one at the rear of your property, are another good deterrent to unwanted intruders. They should be high enough up that they cannot be tampered with. Monitored alarms link directly to the alarm company, or a designated key holder, so if the alarm is triggered it can be immediately responded to.
CCTV
While it doesn’t prevent crime, CCTV, with visible signage indicating it is in use, can both discourage potential thieves and help identify somebody who should not have been on your premises. Some can be viewed remotely from a device, allowing you to keep an eye on your home when you’re not there. You should always consult an accredited installer before adding CCTV to your home security, as it must comply with the legal requirements.
(Above: Keep a light on in your house when you are out)
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