Burglary prevention tips
Here’s some useful advice, firstly on helping to keep burglars out by giving them no hiding place and, secondly, on how to prevent a burglary.
1. Keep it visible:
You’d think that it would be best to make a property less visible from the street, but all that this serves to do is make it easier for a burglar to get close to a home unnoticed, and provide somewhere to hide while carrying out a burglary or theft from the property.
2. Make it difficult for burglars
Consider installing CCTV (or a video doorbell), automatic lighting and alarms to deter burglars from targeting your property.
3. Be aware of distraction burglary tactics
Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain entry to your home. Always remember "if in doubt, keep them out". Also ensure you use your door viewer to see who’s there, if you open the door put the chain on first and always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home.
4. Smart tag it
Valuable property can be tracked by using smart tags which connect to your mobile phone. Versions are available for both iOS and Android operating systems.
Learn more on the 'Keep burglars out of your property' page of our website.
Leaving your home?
Use this handy checklist to ensure it is left safe and secure.
- Are your windows closed and locked?
- Are your window sensors activated?
- Have you secured your garage and shed windows with locks?
- Is your front door double or deadlocked?
- Are all the doors to your home locked?
- Are your door keys kept out of sight (but to hand in case of emergency)?
- Are your inside lights on a switch timer or smart bulb with timer?
- Is your home alarm on?
- Are your valuable items such as jewellery, car keys, laptops, iPads, cash and phones out of sight?
- Are your chargers and cables for laptops/iPads out of view?
- Have you created a written and photographic record of any items of value (financial or sentimental)?
- Are your outside lights on a sensor?
- Have you cut down tall hedges around the outside of your home?
- Is all packaging from expensive items i.e. laptops, tablets, phones, games consoles out of sight
- Are your vehicles locked and valuables removed?
- Are your sheds, side gates. garages and outbuildings locked?
- Are items that can be used to break in, i.e. bricks, rubble, ladders, garden equipment put away?
- If you are going away for a while, have you let your neighbours know?
- Have you joined your local Neighbourhood Watch group? Find your local group here
Think WIDE(N)
- W - Windows locked
- I - Intertior lights on a timer
- D - Doors double or deadlocked
- E - Exterior lights on a sensor
- (N) - Neighbours keep an eye out