KEEP BURGLARS OUT!

Keep it visible - Lower fences at the front of your property allow for a clear view over the top and don’t provide cover for anyone wishing to hide.  At the rear and sides, taller fences are recommended to prevent easy access.

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

Alarms – Consider an accredited burglar alarm system with audible boxes.

Burglars have been known to use ladders to access upper windows that appear to be unlocked. This is to avoid the intruder alarm sensor on the lower floor. To protect your property from this approach, you should extend any alarm sensor coverage to upper rooms.

Pretending to be from a care agency, the council or utility company investigating gas or water leak.

Seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell.

Claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get in to your home quickly, maybe to use your phone.

Working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home.

Use your door viewer if you have one, to see who’s there.

If you open the door put the chain on first.

Always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody in to your home.  Call the customer service department if they are pretending to be from a utility company, and close the door while you are doing this.

If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there.  Any genuine caller will be willing to comply with your wishes.