Tips to Prevent Burglary

Professionally fitted and maintained Security Alarm Systems for the home or business are an effective means of security.

Security Alarm Systems are mainly designed as break in deterrents or detectors, Burglars are terrified of noise and visible indicators as this attracts attention to them.

Having a professionally designed  and installed Electronic Security Alarm System that triggers in the event of forced entry is in most cases enough to scare a would be burglar away.

The easier it is to break into a property, the higher the risk of forced entry

You can take steps to make it more difficult for an intruder to enter your home/business. Statistics show that if it takes longer than two minutes for criminal to break in, it is very likely they will abandon the attempt because the risk of drawing attention to them is too great.

So at the very least you can make those first couple of minutes awkward for them using the invaluable tips below.

 

Tips you can do to prevent burglary

1. Always lock your doors and close windows when you go out, even if you will only be out for a short time
2. Install a visual burglar alarm system and have it  professionally maintained annually
3. Install good outside lighting
4. Do not leave spare keys outside in a garage or shed, make sure you know who has spare keys to your home , if you are not sure change the locks
5. Keep garages and sheds locked shut. Do not leave ladders or tools outside where they could be used to break into yours or a neighbour’s home
6. Always draw your curtains or blinds at night and make sure valuable items cannot be seen from outside
7. Use timers for lights and a radio if you will be out of the house overnight to create the impression somebody is home

More tips that can keep you safe

If you live in a building that has a shared entrance, be careful ‘buzzing’ people in or holding the door open for strangers.

Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place, such as under a flowerpot or doormat, or behind a loose brick. Burglars know to look there. They will also check the garage or shed for spare keys to get into your flat or house.

 

Doors and Windows

In most burglaries, the criminals broke into the house or flat through the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. So make sure your doors are strong and secure. Consider fitting a bar for extra strength; a locksmith can advise you how best to do it.

Glass panels on doors are particularly vulnerable. If you have one on your door you could replace it with laminated glass, which is stronger. You can also buy a film in a DIY store that you can stick over the glass to make it harder to break.

 

Beware of Bogus Callers

‘Distraction burglars’, known as bogus, will distract your attention in order to get into your home to steal your money or belongings.

If anyone you don’t know turns up at your door, you should always ask to see their identification before letting them in. Only let someone into your home when you are absolutely sure they are genuine.

Additionally, Lancashire police have recently circulated some brief suggestions, throughout Blackpool south, for crime prevention which could be implemented within your home.

• If you have a house alarm please ensure it’s used
• Lock all your doors and windows, even when you are at home
• Fit dead locks and don’t leave keys where they can be seen
• Keep side gates and sheds locked
• Keep shrubs, hedges and large plants cut back
• Don’t leave large amounts of cash at home, use a bank account
• Leave lights on when you go out
• Security mark expensive or sentimental items and do not leave on view. To help you to do this speak with your Neighbourhood Policing Team who will be able to provide you with a security marking pen free of charge
• Make sure callers are genuine and always ask for ID
• If you have a security chain please keep it on the front door at all times
• Look out of your window before opening the door. If unsure of caller do not open door
• Look after any payment books, cash cards of pension books and don’t leave them lying around
• Never tell anybody your pin number
• Only ever carry a small amount of money on you at any time
• Report any person acting suspiciously to the police on 101

Remember 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency.

If you require any further information or wish to discuss any of the above you can contact your local NHP team, who will be happy to come and speak with you in regards to home security and staying safe, Lancashire police are always happy to help.