As the nights rapidly draw in, and our daylight hours become fewer, the threat of burglary increases. The autumn is an excellent time to review your home security and take steps to deter burglars from targeting your home. Here are our tips.
Eight tips to deter burglars
1. Get a burglar alarm
A visible burglar alarm is an obvious deterrent to a would-be burglar. Opportunistic thieves commit most burglaries, and they’re unlikely to take a chance on a house which has an alarm. But don’t expect a fake alarm to fool them.
2. Put up CCTV
CCTV cameras are among the biggest deterrents for burglars. No thief wants to be caught on camera.
3. Use lighting
Burglars want to keep out of sight so will avoid well-lit buildings or those with motion lights installed outside. Also, lights on in the inside will make your home look occupied and put off an intruder.
4. Get a dog
The sound of a barking dog is the perfect deterrent to a burglar. Even a dog-friendly burglar is unlikely to take the risk of meeting snarling teeth!
5. Lock doors and windows
Keeping windows and doors locked is an obvious security tip but surprisingly one that homeowners often forget to check. An open window is an invitation to a burglar.
6. Create physical deterrents
A gravel drive, a thorny hedge, and a gate at the end of your drive are all physical deterrents to a burglar. A burglar wants to get in and out as quickly and as noiselessly as possible. Don’t make it easy for them.
7. Hide valuables
Don’t place high-value items where somebody can see them from the road. Showcasing your valuables will entice a thief rather than deter them.
8. Pretend you’re home
Take steps to make your home look occupied even when you’re not there – e.g. have some internal lights on timer control, ask a neighbour to leave a car on your drive, or have someone collect your post.
Also, while it’s tempting to share your holiday snaps on social media, be careful what you post while you’re away from home. Don’t advertise to criminals that your home is unoccupied.
If you’d like to improve your home security with an alarm or CCTV system, we’d be happy to provide a free no-obligation security consultation and quote. Please call us on 01392 368830 or drop us an email.
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