VIDEO DOORBELLS such as Ring or Nest, are an excellent burglar deterrent. No criminal wants to risk being filmed so will move on to a property with no recording equipment. Cameras can be placed at the front, side and back of the house with sensors that detect motion and immediately send an alert to your phone if anyone approaches your home. A good one is worth investing in. It should be serviced regularly so that the front is cleaned – a dirty box is a sure sign to a burglar that it’s not well maintained so unlikely to be set.
LIGHTING – Burglars don’t want a spotlight on them. A movement-activated light will protect the rear of your property. Position it to respond only to things above 4 ft to avoid it being triggered by animals. You can do the same for the front but if you prefer not to have a white light, infrared lights are available that come on at night and ensure that after dark a well-lit picture is produced.
LOCKS – Front doors need to have deadlocks. A cylinder or Yale lock just holds the door in its frame and burglars can tell by pushing a foot against it whether the deadlock is on. If it is not, a determined burglar can easily open the door. Burglars generally avoid breaking windows as they risk making a noise, can cut themselves and leave DNA.
SMALL VALUABLES AND IDENTITY FRAUD – Thieves don’t want to work hard for their money. Don’t leave keys, handbags and small valuables where they can be seen from outside or near the inside of your front door, as these can easily be fished for using a pole and string through your letterbox. Better still install a wire cage on the inside of the letterbox which makes fishing impossible. Shred documents with personal details on them to prevent identity fraud.
REAR OF PROPERTY – Criminals prefer gaining entry via the back of the property as it’s less likely that they will be seen. Don’t make it easier for them by leaving ladders and tools around to help them climb up to open bedroom windows. Use anti-climb paint on drain pipes as it makes them impossible to get a grip on them. Never leave the back door key in an accessible place. Burglars can use the pole and string technique through cat flaps to get to your back door key.
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR – Use the eyes and ears of those around you. Psychologically a burglar is more likely to try his luck in houses that have a lot of foliage around front doors or windows as they provide a hiding place from neighbours – so cut them back.
CURTAINS, BLINDS AND SHUTTERS – When going away leave the curtains, blinds and shutters closed. While those staying shut for a week or two arouse burglars’ suspicion they are also a deterrent as they can’t predict who is behind them and they might be walking into something. Timers on lights set to come on when it gets dark and make it look like someone is at home are useful.
STAY SILENT – Do not post holiday photos on Facebook. Share photos when you get back. Make sure that fridge calendars detailing when you will be away are not visible through windows.
KEEP CARS SAFE – Car alarms and steering locks help as do Faraday pouches which block signals from car keys, preventing access to vehicles. If parked on the road turn your tyres in towards the kern to hinder a quick getaway.
Useful sources of information for preventing crime:
- Wide range of Police security advice – Crime prevention advice | Police.uk
- Cybercrime – Cybercrime advice with Cyberhood Watch | Neighbourhood Watch Network
- Crime prevention (scroll down to A to Z list at the bottom of the page) Preventing crime | Neighbourhood Watch Network
- Reporting a crime/seeking support – Reporting a crime | Neighbourhood Watch Network
- ‘Secured by Design’ guidance on Crime Prevention & Security Advice – Secured by Design – Crime Prevention & Security Advice
- ‘Secured by Design’ members’ products which have been awarded ‘Police Preferred Specification’ status. Accredited Product Search
With thanks to SAGA magazine and Norlands Estate Information and Support Services, Chislehurst, who compiled this information.