Burglars don’t want to be seen or heard ensure you use the security you have installed.
Install a visible intruder alarm system with an active bell box – both front and rear of the property.
Ensure access to the side and rear of the property is restricted (lockable gates). In the case of flats the communal door must be secured.
Security lights should be fitted to the front, side and rear to increase visibly as they are an active deterrent.
Where door locks are operated by lifting the handle, use the key to double lock the door and take the key out; remember Lift-Lock-Remove.
An internal letterbox shield will prevent keys being fished through the letterbox.
Close and lock all of your doors and windows.
Protect valuables by property marking/photographing and recording the serial numbers. This increases the chances of your property being recovered and bringing the offender to justice.
Use automatic timer-switches to turn a light on after dark so that your home appears occupied. This is particularly important during the winter months when the days are much shorter.
Communal doors and other multi occupancy buildings must be secured to prevent people tailgating. Make sure you know who you are letting in.
Distraction Burglary Advice
Don’t allow unexpected callers in to your home unless they have a prior appointment.
Think before you open the door – use your door chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise the person at the door.
Always ask for identification and check it before letting somebody in to your home. Use the phone number in the phone book, for the company that they claim to be from, not the one shown on their identity card. Remember, a genuine caller will happily wait outside while you check on them by calling their organisation and/or while you call a family member or neighbour to help.
If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person to make arrangements on your behalf.
Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house – or the room that you are in – they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.
Utility providers now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give you a pre-arranged password as additional proof of their identity.
If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of a caller ring the police on 999.
Non-Residential Burglary / Sheds & Garages
Chain items such as bicycles, ladders and lawnmowers to a strong anchor point or to each other and use a closed shackle padlock.
Remember to lock your shed or garage after use.
Keep your shed in good repair.
Fit a good quality battery operated alarm to your outbuilding or if you have a household alarm fitted, consider extending the system to cover your garage.
Up-and-over garage doors can be secured by putting padlocks through the inside runners or fitting padlocks with a hasp and staple on either side of the door.
Fit British Standard approved locks to all your external garage doors including integral doors which access your house.
Clearly property mark items.