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| IMG_6319 (Photo credit: aFrozenMoment) |
Lighting
Good outside lighting can be an effective deterrent and if you have a burglar alarm fitted then make sure the alarm box is visible so that a burglar may think twice and choose a less well protected property instead. Make sure that your lighting covers and protects doorways and recessed area so that there is no hiding place when someone walks onto your property, but try not to position the lighting in a way that it causes a nuisance to any neighbours.
If you are going out or away for any period of time then use timers to activate lights and maybe a radio as well, but avoid switching the TV on using a timer as it can advertise one of the very items that they may be looking to steal.
Locks
Using locks efficiently to protect your property is a vital component in your efforts to keep your home safe from intruders. As a basic security measure you should make sure that all doors and windows are securely locked when you leave your home, especially when you consider that many burglaries are committed by opportunists who have simply taken advantage of your failure to secure your home and simply walked in rather than forcing entry.
All external doors should have at least three locking points and a mortice lock will add considerable strength to the security of your door. Fitting window locks is a good idea if you have older windows that are not as secure as more recently installed PVC windows which should come with an efficient lock already fitted and also make sure that your patio door has a good quality lock as older doors are known to be vulnerable.
First line of defence
Take time to think about the suitability of the walls, fencing or shrubbery that you have around the perimeter of your garden and view this as your first line of defence. Look at what you currently have and decide if it protects your home or if it makes you more vulnerable by allowing a burglar to go undetected once they are on your property.
Walls and panel fencing around your house may provide you with a degree of privacy but it could also let a thief to break in without being seen. Trees and shrubs look attractive but they can also be good hiding places so you may want to consider a compromise by using chain-link fencing or possibly some trellises with prickly shrubs that will look attractive but won’t be welcoming to a burglar.
Neighbourhood watch
The people that share your immediate environment are a good ally in helping you to avoid being burgled and by getting involved in an existing scheme or even setting up one; you are improving the odds of your neighbourhood not being targeted in the first place. You do not have to live in each other’s pockets for the scheme to be a success but keeping a look out for anything that you consider to be unusual and having your neighbours do the same, will make many thieves think twice if they know that they are potentially being watched over.
Don’t make it easy
Some very basic security measures will also be very effective in deterring opportunist thieves and one of the most common mistakes is to leave car keys and house keys to the side of the door or in sight. It may be convenient to have these keys to hand when you are rushing out if the door but you are also making it much easier for a burglar to break in and also to steal your car. Do not leave a spare key “hidden” outside as many hiding places are more obvious than you realise and draw your curtains at night so that your valuables are not in sight for the outside.
With a bit of practical thinking and even some basic security measures that will not break the bank, you can help to ensure that you increase your chances of not being the victim of a burglary.
Josh Hayward has extensive experience as a financial consultant. His articles mainly appear on personal finance blogs where he enjoys sharing his expertise. Visit FBD for more information on insurance products.
