Burglary / theft from your home

A third of burglars enter through an open door or window - remember to close and lock your windows when you go out

Opportunist thieves commit the majority of burglaries. They choose premises that have no obvious signs of security or where they think they will not be seen.

Did you know?

• A third of burglars enter premises through an open door or window
• Properties without security measures in place are ten times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures such as window locks and quality door locks.
• Typical stolen items are laptops, purses, money, mobile phones, jewellery, TV’s, ipods, electrical equipment, credit cards and car keys.
• Many opportunist burglars enter the house by putting their hand inside a cat flap or letter box, taking the key out from the inside of the door and then letting themselves in.
• Being burgled is an intrusion of your personal space – don’t let this happen to you.  The average cost of a burglary is over £1,000 (Home Office stats 2003/04).

How can burglars get into your home?

• The majority of burglars are opportunists who gain entry into your home through an open door or window.
• Doors – keep them locked, especially the front door when you are in the back garden.
• Windows – keep them closed and locked, even if you are in the house a burglar might enter your property through an unlocked window.

Top tips to secure your home

• Locks - fit strong locks (that comply with British Standards) to external doors and windows.
• Keys - don’t leave keys in locks especially in front and back doors where burglars can get their hands through a letterbox or cat flap.  Keep keys accessible but out of sight and in a safe place.
• Alarm - install a burglar alarm and remember to use it.
• Mark & register your property - marking your property with your postcode, house number or house name makes your property traceable and deters criminals.  Register at www.immobilise.com

Extra security measures

• Timer switch - when on holiday, or going out for the day or night, try and create the impression that someone is at home.  Use a timer switch on a lamp or a radio.
• Install outdoor lighting - such as low enegy security lights that come on at dusk and go out at dawn.
• Strong doors - make sure your doors and frames are strong and in good condition.
• Door chain and spy hole - fit a door chain or bar and spy-hole, and use them when somebody knocks at the door.

Secure your home when you go on holiday

Most burglaries happen when properties are empty.  It is advisable to always make your home appear occupied when you go on holiday, regardless of whether it is for a couple of days or a few weeks.

Top tips to secure your property when on holiday

• Ask a friend, neighbour or relative to keep on eye on your property while you are away.  Get them to collect post from the letterbox, put the dustbins out, and open and close curtains etc.
• Invest in automatic time switches for lights in certain key rooms such as your lounge, kitchen, bedroom and upstairs landing.
• If you have a driveway, ask a friend or neighbour to park on your drive whilst you are away.
• Check with your local police station to see if there is a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area.