Burglary and Theft

Home security measures are the best way of reducing the chance of being burgled. For relatively little cost and by taking some basic precautions you can protect your property and make it difficult for the burglar.

When you go out, make sure you lock your doors (front and back) and close your windows, even if you are going out for a short time - in many burglaries it can take the thief just five minutes to break in, steal property and leave.

• Window locks are relatively inexpensive and when installed, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in and can serve as a deterrent to any would-be burglar - they are less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
• Deadlocks fitted to doors make it difficult for a thief to gain entry to your property and also make it harder for them to get out. If you have deadlocks installed, remember to use them but don't leave the key near the door or in an obvious place. If you don't have them, consider getting a 5-lever mortice deadlock (to BS3621) fitted.
• 'Hiding' spare keys outside your home is an open invitation to thieves, avoid leaving keys in an obvious place near doors or windows too.
• Televisions, stereos and other valuables are attractive to thieves especially if they are on view from the outside. Try to ensure that valuable items cannot be seen through windows from outside. And when buying new items like DVD players or video recorders, don't leave the empty boxes on display near your bins.
• Visible burglar alarms and security lighting is a good deterrent to potential thieves but it's courteous to your neighbours to ensure that alarms shut off after 20 minutes and that lights do not disturb.
• Use lights and radios controlled by timers to give the impression you are in during the hours of darkness. This can be when you are away from home for days at a time, you are out for the evening, or in the winter if it gets dark before you return home from work. The light should be visible from the front of the property. Remember to re-adjust the timer for changing hours of darkness, and consider using a low energy bulb.
• See who's at the door before you answer it by getting an inexpensive 'spy hole' fitted. A door chain will let you open the door a little way so you can talk to callers without letting them in.
• Marking your property with an ultra-violet marker pen or SmartWater can deter burglars because it makes it harder for thieves to sell. The police have a much better chance of returning property to its rightful owner following a burglary if it is marked.