Special Report
Home Security
How safe is your home? The ways in which we protect our homes have changed over the past decade. From CCTV systems, wireless doorbell cameras, automatic lighting, motion sensors, anti-vandal paint to good oldfashioned burglar alarms, the list of home security gadgets available is endless. But just how safe is your home? Last year alone there were more than 260,000 cases of home burglary in the UK, the majority of which were conducted by amateur thieves, and although your chances of crossing paths with Thomas Crown are quite slim, statistics show that your home is five times more likely to be targeted if no visible security measures are in place. How do I know if my home is secure? It is every homeowner’s worse nightmare: being woken up in the middle of the night by strange noises coming from downstairs, or coming home from an evening with friends to find a smashed window panel and a door left slightly ajar. With an understanding of basic theft prevention and an assessment of your property’s security, you will be in a better position than most to know if improvements are urgently needed in your home to protect your family.
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Keep valuables out of sight That new flatscreen TV looks great on your wall, but did you know it can be seen from the street? Removing all valuables from an outside viewpoint gives thieves no reason to target your property. This includes car keys, smart devices, bags, wallets and of course jewellery. Even the packaging of expensive items shouldn’t be left outside as this acts as an advertisement to would-be thieves. Check for vulnerable entry points Are your doors reinforced uPVC plastic or solid wood? Forcing entry to a doorway is the most common tactic for burglars to enter your property. Ensure all entrance points are secured with suitable locking mechanisms in place. Windowless doors with a minimum of two locks are the most efficient. Keep sheds and garages secure Thieves will often enter a rear garden to obtain tools from a shed or garage as they are easily accessible, with many homeowners not locking them at all. Never give an intruder the opportunity to use your own belongings against you. Think like a thief Attempt to gain access to your own home without using a key. Is the rear garden fence easily scaled?
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