Even if you are fortunate enough not to be a victim of crime, chances are you will know someone who is. Burglary is an act that has far reaching effects. In addition to the break-in, victims often suffer serious psychological effects resulting in much hardship, a situation made worse when they have to spend their valuable time after the event sorting everything out. Today, many are reluctant to leave their homes, fearing the worst, or even accepting that it will only be a matter of time before it happens to them. But it doesn't have to be this way, you do have a choice.
It's a known fact that almost 80% of burglaries are committed not by professionals, but opportunists who usually strike when the property is empty. To these people, poor security is an open invitation, almost like a 'Welcome' sign, better still if getting in and out with the minimum risk is possible.
I visit people that have been victims of burglary, upgrading their security and offering advice. My advertising leaflets states: 'Have You Ever Wondered How Others Might See Your Home?' This is of course speaking about security and how your view on the subject may differ to that of a burglar. For example, you may be of the opinion that as long as your doors are locked and windows shut, that this is sufficient. But the reality is that you should assess the security of your property, not necessarily from your point of view, but from that of the opportunist, and how they see it.
It goes without saying, that having security, will make your home more secure. Good locks, strong doors, window locks, an alarm system with a visible 'alarm box', security lights that automatically come on at the points of possible entry, are all things that make life difficult for a burglar. But there is more to it than this, good security not only makes your home secure, it also sends out strong messages about your property, so that the opportunist gets a clear message; 'This one is not for me, too risky'. No criminal wants to be caught committing his wicked deeds, so much so that a difficult 'break-in' that could take time, cause a lot of noise, or the risk of being seen could be enough to prevent the crime from even being attempted.
This then is the first step in home security. As you read on I will cover the different kind of locks and doors that are the best at preventing crime. But first you should consider the following that could compromise your security.
Keys
Never leave keys under plant pots and doormats; you never know who is watching when you are leaving the house. Keys left in this way are a real opportunity, rather like winning the jackpot! The same applies to keys left within the house. If they can be seen (by, looking through the letterbox or window), even though the house is locked, the would be intruder knows that if he was to enter by other means such as a window, keys left within will provide easy exit through the front or back door.
The same applies to keys left on a table near the front door. It's not unusual for poles or lengths of wire to be used to 'fish' them out through the letterbox.
Sheds and Garages
Though the contents of the garages or shed may not contain items of any real value, they do very often contain tools and ladders, all the things required to break into a house. You should lock tools away within any outbuildings in which they are kept, and secure ladders with a chain and padlock, to a wall. Also make sure that your garage and shed are also securely locked.
Extensions and Garage Roofs
Very often, outbuildings are located next to, or joined to the house. Because they are usually single storey with flat roofs, they are relatively easy to climb onto by means of drainpipes or an adjoining fence. Once on the roof, there is easy access to upper floor windows. In this situation, you should pay special attention to these windows and treat them as you would ground floor windows, by fitting appropriate locks.
Drain Pipes
Drainpipes can also be used to access upper floor windows. To combat this, you could apply anti-climb paint to pipes at a level beyond reach.
Windows
All ground floor windows should have locks fitted to them.
Upvc windows are especially vulnerable where the glazing bead is fitted externally. Once this bead is removed, the glazed units can easily be removed. With windows of this type, consider removing and refitting the glazed units, using security tape to hold them in place, or refit them using clear silicone seal applied to each corner of the frame. Most windows are now fitted with internal beading, which means that they are very secure in this respect, however, there are still windows being installed that are not. If you are considering new windows, check which type you are being offered.
Curtains and blinds fitted to windows make it difficult for a burglar to see inside the house. Also, ornaments on the window ledge can also be a problem to a burglar, as they could make it difficult for them to get in without making a noise. |
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