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The majority of burglaries occur when there is nobody at home; most are not planned but committed by opportunists, so it is crucial to protect your home as best you can. Burglaries can happen inside your home but also to your sheds and garages. Here are some tips on stopping yourself from becoming a victim of burglary… We’ll start with free, simple and effective tips… In the evenings, shut curtains. If you can leave lights on using a timer, then even better.Always keep valuables like tablets and laptops out of sight from windows.Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or a WhatsApp group for your street. This way you can notify each other if you have any suspicions.Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.Always lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’re just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift the handle and turn the key)Ensure all keys, including car keys, are out of sight and away from the letterbox, as a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox. Use a Faraday style bag if applicable.Move climbable items (such as bins) away from fences and accessible walls/ windows to stop people being able to climb easily over fences etc.If you have a bike, attend one of our free bike marking events and register items on immobilise.com Change access codes and alarm codes regularly. If you live in a gated community, be aware of tailgating. If you are able to invest in burglary prevention… Use alarms and Doorbell cameras to deter or capture evidence.Store high value items in a secured a safe.Use forensic marking kits to make your items traceable and harder to sell.Invest in Dusk to Dawn lights for the front and back gardens.Gravel on a driveway makes those interested in your property more noticeable.Invest in gates, bollards, steering wheel locks, dash cams, trackers and fence defenders. We often get contacted by local residents to make us aware of people who have knocked on their door or they suspect have been loitering or scoping out properties. Although these incidents usually result in the suspect/s being innocent, we still appreciate your observations. This can help us build a picture. Alternatively you can make a note of any person’s or vehicles that you have a suspicion about. We will always conduct door to door enquiries when a burglary has taken place and your observation could be the missing piece in our investigation. Let’s not make it easy for criminals and don’t let them have the last laugh! 
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