Think like a burglar when protecting your home

Regular security testing of your property is important. As a burglar will look for weaknesses in your property to use against you, so we need to think like they do when protecting our homes. One of the best deterrents is to have a security Intruder alarm (or burglar alarm), these are visible deterrents to the burglar. When a burglar is choosing which house to burgle, they will always go for the house without an alarm (if possible).

We need to look around our properties starting with the front of the house, if you have a gate and its broken or open, to a burglar it’s an invitation in. Having a closed gate is the first barrier to your home.

Beware of the dog signs or any type of animal sign can be a clear indicator to a thief that you don’t have an alarm, (as a lot of animals owners don’t) they may also think that your leave your back door open for the animal to get in and out.

Don’t leave any loose bricks or ladders in your garden as burglars can use these against you, he/she can throw the bricks through your windows for access, or use your ladders to access the first floor. It’s a great idea to chain up or hide your wheelie bins too as they can climb on these to get to the first floor.

If you only have a one cylinder lock on your front door this makes you an ideal, easy house to break into, as he knows he can get in. ideally you want to have two locks on your front door, this will deter him. Keys left in the front hallway in or next to the door can be fished out via your letterbox, so it’s good to get a letterbox protector or basket on the back, also leaving your keys out of site is best. If they have already got into your property they may take your keys and keep for another visit. They have been known to make a mess of your house so it’s harder for you to know what is missing.

Taking photos of every room and listing valuables now could be a massive help for in the future if you are unlucky enough to be burgled. They may look at your calendars in your home to see when you have plans / holidays and they then know when to make a 2nd trip back. The first thing a burglar might do when entering your house is put a bottle on the door handle of your front door or wedge it with a broom as then if someone comes home he can make a quick escape, knowing you will be delayed and make noise when coming in.

Joining a neighbourhood watch and displaying signs on your windows is a good idea. Making these changes can make a difference.