At last we can kick-off this summer and all enjoy the warm sunshine. We can open our doors and windows and let in the cool air, but please be careful that this is not the only thing you let in. The summer also signals one of the busiest times of year for the burglar.
Here are a few facts:
- Burglars are by and large opportunists, looking for a home that gives them the easiest way of committing their crime undetected, with the fewest obstacles possible
- 20% of all burglaries do not involve forced entry, 30% of all burglaries involve entry through a back
window.
Here are a few simple things that you can do to reduce your chances of being burgled:
Perimeter security
- Grow prickly shrubs underneath windows
- Erect a high gate across any side passage way
- Remember to keep side gates padlocked when not in use
- Keep ladders or any other climbing aids out of sight and padlocked to a secure object
- Lock away garden tools or other implements which can be used to break a window.
- Make sure that sheds and out buildings are securely locked
- Keep your hedges reasonably low so that burglars can be seen from the road
Home security
- Ensure that all ground floor windows are closed and secured when you are out or asleep (even if this is just for a short time)
- If you are at the rear of your home or in the garden make sure the front is secure
- Likewise, make sure you close and lock the rear door before answering the front door, some burglars work in pairs
- Invest in good locks for all external doors ensuring they are up to BS 3621 standard
- Consider security lights both at the front and the rear of your home
- If you live in a block of flats or multi-occupancy dwelling make sure you know who is at the door before you let them in. If in doubt keep them out
Make your home looked lived-in
- Even if you are away from home try to make your home look occupied
- Don’t let the post pile up – ask a friend or neighbour to clear it.
- Remember to cancel the milk and newspapers
- Leave your lights on a timer switch and ask someone to close the curtains at night and open them in the morning
- Leave a radio on a timer switch to make the house sound occupied
- Ask a neighbour to watch out for parcels left on the doorstep.
We wish you a safe and happy summer
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