Burglary can have a long-lasting emotional impact on victims, leaving them feeling isolated and vulnerable. However, by taking just a few simple measures you can reduce the chances of it happening to you.

Why might your home be targeted? Most burglaries tend to be opportunistic, rather than planned. Burglars usually choose houses that have little or no visible security.

So if your home does not look secure, seems unlived in, or provides unobserved access, it could be at risk. Understanding what burglars look for when choosing their target will help you identify weak spots in your home’s security.

Securing your boundary

Making your home as difficult to get into as possible will help deter criminals, and that starts with your boundaries.

• Make sure your front wall is no more than 1 metre high, so a burglar could be seen

from the street.

• Make your side and driveway gates the same height as the boundaries around them.

• Metal side and driveway gates are good because they allow intruders to be seen. Add extra security with an anti-climb top.

• Gravel driveways and paths make a silent approach difficult.

• Store wheelie bins or other potential climbing aids behind locked gates, so burglars can’t climb up on them.

• Wooden gates can be secured with two hasps and staples and two closed shackle padlocks near the top and the bottom, to prevent leverage.

• Rear and side boundaries should be between 1.8 and 2 metres high. Planting dense or spiky climbing plants acts as an additional deterrent.

• Be aware that using barbed wire, carpet gripper or broken glass on top of walls or fences could cause injury which the occupier could be liable for.

Alarms

Alarms are undoubtedly the most effective deterrent against burglary.

To maximise the deterrent, place external active burglar alarm bell boxes (with flashing lights and sounders) at the front and back of the property. Police recommend an installer who is affiliated to an inspectorate, either the National

Security Inspectorate (NSI) or Security System and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB). Be aware that DIY alarms will not necessarily receive a police response.

Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are the primary route of entry and exit for most burglars, so it’s vital that you know what the safest kinds of doors and locking systems are.

 Wooden Doors:

Front doors should be solid timber, with a British Standard (BS3621) 5-lever mortice lock one third of the way up and an automatic deadlocking rim lock one third of the way down. Back doors should be solid timber, with a BS3621 5-lever mortice sash lock and two mortice rack bolts or surface mounted press bolts.

 Glazed Doors:

Make sure any glass panels are at least 6.4mm thick and are either laminated, or reinforced with security film. Consider using internal grilles if there is a risk that lock releases could be accessed via a broken pane of glass.

 Upvc:

If your house is fitted with uPVC doors make sure that you always lock the door with a key. Simply closing the door and pushing the handle up will not prevent someone entering. Insure that you engage the multi-locking mechanism and that the door is securely locked.

 Patio doors should have a minimum of three locking points, with an anti-lift device to prevent them from being lifted from their runners.

 Windows:

On the ground floor and for other windows that are easily accessible, key operated locks are essential. Window handles should be multi-locking, with shoot bolts into the frame. Extra security can be added to externally beaded windows with security clips, security tape or sealant. Louvre window panes must be secured to prevent them being removed, or consider replacing them with a solid glass panel.

Security Lighting

Lights can be used in a variety of ways to deter burglars at night. Exterior lights will make it more difficult for burglars to stay undetected when they’re trying to break in. Make sure they’re designed to be tamper-proof or at least positioned where it’s difficult

for intruders to reach them. As a further deterrent, you can also leave interior lights switched on or use timer switches to make it look as if you’re at home – even when you’re out. In most cases, the preferred and cost-effective security lighting option is low wattage bulbs activated by photo-electric cell which will automatically switch on from dusk till dawn. The alternative of passive infra-red lights can be accidentally triggered by pets or wild animals and must be thoughtfully positioned to avoid annoying your neighbours.

Property Marking

Marking your property can make it difficult for thieves to sell it on and help you recover anything that does get stolen. There are numerous ways of property marking your possessions, some more permanent than others. You can use UV or indelible

pens, postcode etching or chemically coded systems. By visibly marking your property with your postcode and house number (or flat letter) or the first three letters of a house name, and illustrating this fact to thieves (using window stickers), you reduce the risk of burglary by removing the benefit.

Always remember what to do before you leave your home

• Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

• Set your burglar alarm.

• Make sure the side and/or back gate is locked.

• Lock your shed or garage.

• Make sure that any valuables are not in sight.

• Put keys out of reach of letterboxes.

• In the evening, shut the curtains and leave some lights on.

• Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallway