Burglary

Most burglaries are committed by opportunist criminals who happen to see insecure premises where they can help themselves to the property inside. In most cases the burglary could have been prevented.

By following a few simple precautions, you can reduce the chance of you becoming a victim of burglary.

• Fit secure locks to all doors and fit a door chain or bar
• Fit visible window locks, including rear or side windows and those above a low roof
• Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice; get specialist advice and consult your insurance company
• Use timer switches to turn on lights and radios when you are out to give the impression that your home is occupied
• Be alert to strangers loitering in residential streets; if in doubt call the police
• Be aware of fire risks and means of escape. Make sure you have a smoke alarm fitted
• Never leave spare keys in a hiding place such as under a doormat, in a flowerpot or inside the letterbox
• Ensure valuables are suitably security marked; if not practicable, take photographs of valuable items and keep a note of any serial numbers. Ensure that handbags, wallets, mobile phones and car keys are kept safely in your bedroom at night. Some thieves purposely enter houses to take car keys in order to steal cars sat on the driveway
• Fit a strong, lockable gate across side passages
• Always leave garages and sheds locked
• Consider fitting an alarm to your garage or shed
• Keep any ladders locked
• Keep expensive garden equipment and furniture locked in a shed overnight or when you are away
• Provide good lighting and fit movement detectors
• Keep dustbins and wheel-bins away from fencing/gates, which access your property (these are used by thieves to easily climb over barriers).