Aside from the obvious steps of installing burglar alarms and secure doors and windows, what are the other steps you can take to safe guard your home and its precious contents from thieves? It’s important to consider what your home is saying to prospective burglars. Front gates swinging wide and only one visible lock on the front door suggest an owner that isn’t particularly security conscious and could make your home a tempting target. An open side gate or clear side access is even more inviting. Make sure side gates are locked and don’t leave things like wheelie bins out as these can be used as make shift ladders. Ensure sheds are well secured, not just to safe guard your tools from theft, as you don’t want to provide the thief with break-in equipment.
Many people think a dog will deter thieves but evidence of pets indicates that alarms may be deactivated during the day to prevent the animals setting them off. Large cat and dog flaps act as a weak point in exterior doors. Large hedge rows and shrubberies in around the house may act to shut out the bustle of the outside world but they also provide good cover for burglars to get to work.
Inside the house avoid leaving documents with your names on about, some thieves have used them to throw off suspicion when confronted by neighbours. Spare keys could give thieves the chance to come back so don’t leave them lying around. Don’t leave keys in view of the front door or fit a mail cage to prevent burglars going “fishing” through your letter box. Thieves often steal cars while their victims are sleeping in this way!
Security Systems and Garage Doors Guide
