Keep burglars out of your property

Burglars will use a variety of ways to avoid being noticed.

They don’t want to be seen or heard by a neighbour or passer-by because they will feel exposed and identifiable.

Here’s some useful advice, firstly on helping to keep burglars out by giving them no hiding place

Keep it visible

You’d think that it would be best to make a property less visible from the street, and to keep it hidden from prying eyes behind overgrown bushes, trees, high fences or walls. In reality, 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 premises.

CCTV can be a valuable tool

However, it doesn’t prevent a crime from being committed and does have limitations

Some cameras work by day and by night, and record when they detect movement. Some can be remotely viewed from a smartphone. CCTV linked to your smartphone will alert you to someone crossing your boundary. 

Position cameras where they are best able to obtain good quality facial images. Could you recognise or identify someone from the footage?  

Most importantly, CCTV is no substitute for good quality physical security such as secure doors and windows. 

Consider an accredited burglar alarm system with audible alarm boxes

Two visible audible alarm boxes are better than one. Mount them at the front and rear of your home, high up to resist tampering.

There are three types of burglar alarm, varying in capability and cost: Monitored; Unmonitored; Auto Dialler.

Signage is an effective deterrent if used with an active alarm system.

Lighting 

External lighting is a good deterrent and is recommended at doors as it makes it safer for you when coming and going after dark. Take care to position these lights so that light pollution doesn’t annoy your neighbours. 

Use an automatic plugin time switch to operate a lamp or light indoors at pre-set times when you’re away.  

Energy saving LED bulbs are best as they do not use as much electricity, last longer than conventional bulbs and do not generate heat, reducing fire risk.