Burglary Prevention Advice

Burglary Prevention Advice

Burglars use a variety of methods to avoid being noticed. They do not want to be seen or heard by neighbours or passers-by, as this increases the risk of being identified and caught.

Distraction burglars often pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain access to your home. Understanding the tactics they use can help you protect yourself and your property.

Keep Your Property Visible

Many people assume that tall fences, walls, and overgrown plants provide better security. In reality, these features can create hiding places for burglars and make it easier for them to approach your home unnoticed.

To reduce opportunities for criminals:

Keep front boundary fences low, ideally around one metre high, to allow clear visibility from the street.

Install taller fencing at the sides and rear of your property to make access more difficult.

Add trellis, thorny plants, or suitable anti-climb measures to fences and gates.

Plant prickly shrubs along boundaries and fence lines to create a natural barrier.

Consider gravel driveways and pathways, which can help alert you to someone approaching.

Regularly trim hedges, bushes, and trees to remove potential hiding places.

Other Ways to Deter Burglars

CCTV

Visible CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent and may help identify offenders.

Intruder Alarms

A well-maintained alarm system can discourage burglars from targeting your property.

Security Lighting

Motion-activated lighting can increase visibility and make offenders more likely to be seen.

Distraction Burglary

Distraction burglars gain entry by pretending to be legitimate visitors. Once inside, they may steal property themselves or distract you while an accomplice searches your home.

Common Tactics Used by Distraction Burglars

They may:

Claim to be from a utility company, local authority, or care agency.

Say they are investigating a gas leak, water leak, or another emergency.

Ask to leave a note for a neighbour.

Request a drink of water or assistance because they feel unwell.

Insist they need urgent access to your home.

Work in pairs, with one person distracting you while another enters the property.

How to Protect Yourself

Remember: If in doubt, keep them out.

Use a door viewer or window to check who is at the door.

If opening the door, keep the security chain engaged first.

Always ask for identification.

Verify identification by contacting the organisation directly using a trusted phone number from an official website or directory.

Close and lock the door while making any checks.

If you are unsure, arrange for the caller to return when a friend, relative, or neighbour can be present.

Consider setting up a password scheme for pre-arranged visits from utility providers.

Never feel pressured into allowing someone into your home.

Report Concerns

If you believe someone is acting suspiciously, report it to the police. If you feel threatened or believe a crime is in progress, call 999 immediately.

Key Message

Keep your property visible, secure your boundaries, check the identity of callers, and remember: if in doubt, keep them out.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Frances Taylor
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, South Staffordshire)