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Crime
Prevention - Your Home
Home security
is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled. A
lot of burglaries are spur of the moment, as a burglar may
see an open window or other easy point of entry and take their
chance.
Basic
tips
-
When
you go out, always lock the door and close the windows –
even if you are just going out for a short time.
-
Window
locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people
getting in (and remember, a burglar is less likely to break
in if they have to smash a window).
-
If
you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a
thief to get out again. But don’t leave the key near
the door or in an obvious place.
-
Don’t
leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed, and put
car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
-
Use
timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from
home overnight. They will create the impression that someone
is in.
-
Visible
burglar alarms, good lighting, and carefully directed security
lighting can put burglars off. But make sure that lights
don’t disturb your neighbours, and that alarms turn
off after 20 minutes.
-
Fences
at the back of the house may make this area more secure,
but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without
being seen.
-
A
good compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with
prickly shrubs.
-
Fitting
a ‘spy hole’ allows you to see who is at the door.
-
Having
a door chain means that you can open the door a little way
to talk to them.
-
Make
sure that any improvements you make don’t stop you
from getting out of your house as quickly as possible if
there is a fire.
Who
can help you do this?
Tenants
If you
rent your house or flat, your landlord has some responsibility
towards its security. If your home is not secure, ask your
landlord if they will make necessary improvements. It will
be cheaper for them to fit window locks than to mend a broken
window. If you live in social housing or in a block of rented
flats, forming a tenants’ association might make security
easier.
Homeowners
Spending
money on security measures can seem daunting, but it is a
good investment, will last a long time and can add value to
your property. Contact your council or local police for help.
They may be able to advise you on the best measures to protect
your property, and may even have grants to help cover the
cost.
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