Crime Prevention Advice

Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A burglar only needs to spot an open window or an unlocked door or gate to make their move.  Look at your home or business through the burglar's eyes. If you think your security looks poor, chances are so will a thief. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured. 

Ask yourself these questions:-

1. Are you helping the burglar?

• side gates open
• accessible windows open
• ladders out, allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows
• garden tools available to force entry
• untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural surveillance

Each of these makes access to the building far simpler and is an indication to the burglar that your property is worth a second look.

2. Are the occupants in?

• milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep
• newspapers and post in the letter box
• unlit houses after dark
• all windows shut in very hot weather

These are signs telling the burglar that he is unlikely to be disturbed in the course of his work. Naturally, circumstances may arise when such situations may be unavoidable, but if you can take measures that tell the burglar that this building is too difficult or too risky a target, he will hopefully move on.

3. Are you leaving a thief the key to your house?

• never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near your property - burglars know all the hiding places
• prevent letterbox burglaries by storing keys away from the front door
• do not label your house keys in case you lose them and they fall into the wrong hands.

The good news is that it doesn't take much to improve security and put off thieves. Money spent on security is a good investment; not only will it last a long time, but it can add value to your property, it can benefit your insurance cover and most of all give peace of mind that being a crime victim is not inevitable

Remove temptation

• where possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows
• make it look as though your house is occupied by installing timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically
• have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your letter box or doorstep
• encourage a neighbour to park on your drive
• if going out after dark, draw the curtains, leave some lights on and a radio playing
• if you are away for extended periods cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers
• disconnect the answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer
• enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries
• if you are prepared to leave a key with a willing neighbour/relative, ask for curtains to be drawn and lights to be put on at night
• if snow is on the ground a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited
• check your insurance policy - some insurance policies for contents don't cover you if you are away for more than 30 days
• set your burglar alarm - if you do not have an alarm, consider investing a few pounds in a dummy alarm box, it may well deter the opportunist thief

Effective Security

Faced with a wide range of products it is often difficult to know how effective they are. It is true to say that given time, sophisticated power tools or inside information security may eventually be beaten. But good prevention denies the use of normally available tools, increases the risk for the thief by increasing the noise, effort and time to steal, and reduces the value to the thief of your property

Remember:

Remove the Opportunity - Prevent the Burglary

So call us at The Key Centre now on 0800 97 00 148 for a free quote or further information or email us with your crime prevention or locksmithing inquiry