Do you feel safe and secure?
Obviously, some areas are going to represent a greater risk than others but you, the homeowner, must remain vigilant.
Think like a thief and be one step ahead!
Put yourselves in the burglar’s shoes and ask…. what are you doing to keep a low profile in their eyes?
Firstly, they will weigh up how easy it could be to break in to your property. Secondly, they will decide if you have property that can be easily removed and sold on quickly without being traced back to its rightful owner.
So let us take the first point – you are probably thinking that we would say this but it is common sense: Always lock your windows and doors securely when you leave the property, even if it is for a few minutes and keep those house keys out of sight. Do not give the burglar a leg up by leaving ladders around! Lock up your sheds and garages that may contact tools to assist them in entering your home, especially if you have wooden or older style windows.
If and when the opportunity allows you to replace your existing windows and door please remember the following information:
WINDOWS:
Ensure you have high security multi point locking systems conforming to the Police Preferred Specification on your windows with anti jemmy sash keeps. If you are replacing them insist on internally glazed units so the burglar cannot remove them from the outside.
DOORS:
When replacing your Back or Front Door with Half Glazed or Fully Glazed PVCu doors, check to make sure that they have been accredited with PAS 23 and PAS 24. This certifies that they have undergone an attack test withstanding a series of physical tests based on common methods of burglary.
Thinking ahead can save you from being the burglars next chosen victim!
A little bit of forethought can go a long way. You will never know that your vigilance and tenacity kept a burglar away but you will have peace of mind.
Be aware from a burglar’s point of view that they will want to be in and out of your property as quickly as possible. They will be looking for items that cannot easily be traced, which are quick to sell and not too difficult to transport. It is very cheap and easy to mark all valuables with a security pen. Just your house number and postcode will suffice if space is limited.
Home Security devices such as Alarms and Lights are a good investment. Make sure your property is well lit at night when someone approaches the house by using a sensor security light.
If you make a new purchase make sure that you do not leave the packaging outside your house for all and sundry to see. Dispose of it at your local refuse centre or try to put it outside just before the refuse collector arrives.
Invest in some timer switches. Great for turning lamps or a radio on and off to give the impression that the property is lived in.
If you are going away, do not forget to cancel the newspapers and milk deliveries and if you are concerned that your post may be seen to be piling up then contact your local Post Office who, for a small fee, can hold on to your letters until your return.
Do not leave plug in Air Fresheners in as these can be a fire risk.
You might ask a neighbour, friend or relation to keep an eye on the property but make sure you warn them that you have lamps on timers or they may turn them off for you!
