Beat the Burglar
Step 1 Identify your home's weak security spots – see below
Step 2 Draw up an action plan for improving your security, bearing in mind that the main objective is to stop the would-be burglar from entering your premises.
Step 3 Implement your action plan.
1. HOUSE
2. GARAGE / SHEDS / OUTBUILDINGS
3. CAR
NOTE : If you are burgled, notify the Police. Whilst awaiting the arrival of the Police do not touch anything. Obtain a crime number from the Police - you will need this if you make an insurance claim.
Notify your neighbourhood watch co-ordinator.
Step 1 Identify your home's weak security spots – see below
Step 2 Draw up an action plan for improving your security, bearing in mind that the main objective is to stop the would-be burglar from entering your premises.
Step 3 Implement your action plan.
1. HOUSE
- Fit good quality locks (Police or Insurance Company will advise).
- Fit door chain and viewer.
- Maintain an open aspect at the front and rear of dwelling.
- Make rear access difficult for the uninvited caller. A margin of gravel round the house would signal the presence of callers. A "Beware of the Dog" sign can be a deterrent.
- Post code your property and record serial numbers. Keep a photographic record of valuables. Do not leave valuables on show.
- When you are away from home try to make it appear that someone is at home eg. use lights and radios on automatic timers. Lights are available which come on at dusk and switch off at dawn.
- Cancel deliveries when going on holiday. Arrange for a neighbour to ensure that bin bags, mail and newspapers are not left on display. Ideally, wheelie bins should be put out for emptying and taken in as usual.
- Keep tools and ladders locked-up.
- Fit front porch and external door lights.
- Keep doors and accessible windows locked whilst alone in the house or in the garden and when leaving the premises or retiring. Take care with upstairs accessible windows. The slats of louvred windows should be fixed with adhesive and a special louvre lock fitted.
- Beware of bogus callers. Use door chain and viewer. Ask to see ID card. Telephone their base using number obtained from the directory or directory enquiries to check that they are genuine.
- Patio Doors - fit an anti-lift device if there is a gap between the top edge and the frame. Also, fit at least one, preferably two, additional patio door locks. Patio doors and French doors can be particularly vulnerable.
2. GARAGE / SHEDS / OUTBUILDINGS
- Fit good quality locks and fit hinge bolts to outward-opening doors.
- Do not display contents by leaving doors open.
- Fit a shed alarm.
- Chain expensive items together.
3. CAR
- Engage the steering lock, lock the doors and boot and shut the sunroof when parked.
- Remove the ignition keys. Never leave the car with its engine running.
- Do not leave anything on display. Remove satnav and radio if on a snatch plate and leave glove box open to show that they are not inside.
- Have at least one of alarm, steering lock, immobilizer.
- Consider having windows etched.
- Take keys to the bedroom when retiring. This is particularly important as cars are now increasingly difficult to break into. Thieves are now targetting owners' keys in the home.
NOTE : If you are burgled, notify the Police. Whilst awaiting the arrival of the Police do not touch anything. Obtain a crime number from the Police - you will need this if you make an insurance claim.
Notify your neighbourhood watch co-ordinator.
