Home Protection Tips London
A break-in or burglary not only may result in the loss of precious possessions and considerable practical damage and disruption, it can also leave you with the emotional fall-out of having had an unwelcome stranger in your home. Yet, as this article demonstrates, all it takes to repel many would-be intruders and ensure improved peace of mind is just a few simple, inexpensive precautions.
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Home Protection Tips
Research indicates that as we age we start to become more fearful of crime. Practically speaking, statistics show that there’s no reason why we should be afraid, and no reason to waste precious time dwelling on the possibility of something that may never happen.
What you should do however, is to review your current security, make sure that you’ve done all you can to reduce the likelihood of opportunistic intruders, and then just make sure that you build a few simple security checks into your day-to-day activities.
Of course, you may already feel that you have done all you can and are very security aware. Nevertheless, unfortunately burglars are constantly coming up with new tricks and new items they target. This being the case, it might be worthwhile getting in touch with your local Crime Prevention Officer (through your local police force or local council) to get the latest expert advice on overall security and particular local threats.
That aside, follow these tips to make sure you stay safe:
1. Windows and doors: According to Home Office statistics, in 30% of burglaries thieves don’t have to use force. They get in through an open door or window. That being the case, make sure you check that all your doors and windows are locked. It makes sense to keep doors and downstairs windows locked at all times, but they should never be left open at night or when leaving the house – even if only for a few minutes.
2. Keys: This can represent maintaining a delicate balance between being secure and not being able to get in yourself should you lose your keys. So make sure you leave at least one set of keys with a trustworthy neighbour or hidden somewhere safe - NOT under the doormat or in a flowerpot. And never leave house or car keys near door or window – not only is glass easily broken, but thieves increasingly steal keys through the letterbox by using a hook or magnet on a stick.
3. Lighting: Older people tend to travel more and be away for longer and empty homes are a natural target. Apparently the majority of burglaries take place at night, so using a light with a time switch to give the impression that someone is at home is a simple deterrent. Think about fitting one to a radio too.
4. Burglar Alarms: - burglar alarms can be complex and expensive but they do tend to make burglars think twice. As ever when making an expensive purchase it is important that you do your research, get quotes from a range of specialist suppliers and don’t necessarily go for the cheapest option. Once you have one installed, let your neighbours know and agree what they should do if it does go off. (Try asking your neighbours who have alarms what they think of theirs before you buy one).
5. Gardens, garages and sheds: Older people are more likely to have expensive garden ornaments and tools, which may be left unsecured. If possible ensure that you install good fencing, keep expensive garden items out of general passing view, and fit good locks to garages and tool sheds. Well-placed sensor lights can also be good for alerting you to the presence of external movement and scaring off potential burglars.
6. Bogus callers: Another consequence of being at home more is that you are likely to have to deal with more door-to-door callers. Most will be genuine, but unfortunately a few will be trying to get entry into your home or to find out information to help them target other homes or property. The best approach is to be suspicious of unusual requests, ask for identity (and take time to look at it carefully), and if in any doubt ask the person to return at another time when someone else is at home with you and/or to leave you with a means of independently verifying who they are.
7. Keeping vigilant: Local observation is often the best way of deterring potential burglars but its usefulness is dependent on how much people participate. As retirement becomes a reality you may now be at home more during the day (see bogus callers above), or may be working from home, which may put you in a better position than previously to monitor local comings and goings. So, if you have a local Neighbourhood Watch, become more involved. If not, contact your local Crime Prevention Officer to find out how to go about setting one up.
8. Insurance: Ultimate peace of mind comes from knowing that financially you will not suffer should the worst happen. So don’t stint on your home and contents insurance, it will only be a false economy (and may even invalidate your policy) should you need to claim. Insurance companies may also provide you with initial advice about suitable locks, etc. to improve your security, as well as making the whole repair and replacement procedure simpler in the unlikely event that you do need to claim.
Click here for more useful information for the over 50s from in my prime.
What you should do however, is to review your current security, make sure that you’ve done all you can to reduce the likelihood of opportunistic intruders, and then just make sure that you build a few simple security checks into your day-to-day activities.
Of course, you may already feel that you have done all you can and are very security aware. Nevertheless, unfortunately burglars are constantly coming up with new tricks and new items they target. This being the case, it might be worthwhile getting in touch with your local Crime Prevention Officer (through your local police force or local council) to get the latest expert advice on overall security and particular local threats.
That aside, follow these tips to make sure you stay safe:
1. Windows and doors: According to Home Office statistics, in 30% of burglaries thieves don’t have to use force. They get in through an open door or window. That being the case, make sure you check that all your doors and windows are locked. It makes sense to keep doors and downstairs windows locked at all times, but they should never be left open at night or when leaving the house – even if only for a few minutes.
2. Keys: This can represent maintaining a delicate balance between being secure and not being able to get in yourself should you lose your keys. So make sure you leave at least one set of keys with a trustworthy neighbour or hidden somewhere safe - NOT under the doormat or in a flowerpot. And never leave house or car keys near door or window – not only is glass easily broken, but thieves increasingly steal keys through the letterbox by using a hook or magnet on a stick.
3. Lighting: Older people tend to travel more and be away for longer and empty homes are a natural target. Apparently the majority of burglaries take place at night, so using a light with a time switch to give the impression that someone is at home is a simple deterrent. Think about fitting one to a radio too.
4. Burglar Alarms: - burglar alarms can be complex and expensive but they do tend to make burglars think twice. As ever when making an expensive purchase it is important that you do your research, get quotes from a range of specialist suppliers and don’t necessarily go for the cheapest option. Once you have one installed, let your neighbours know and agree what they should do if it does go off. (Try asking your neighbours who have alarms what they think of theirs before you buy one).
5. Gardens, garages and sheds: Older people are more likely to have expensive garden ornaments and tools, which may be left unsecured. If possible ensure that you install good fencing, keep expensive garden items out of general passing view, and fit good locks to garages and tool sheds. Well-placed sensor lights can also be good for alerting you to the presence of external movement and scaring off potential burglars.
6. Bogus callers: Another consequence of being at home more is that you are likely to have to deal with more door-to-door callers. Most will be genuine, but unfortunately a few will be trying to get entry into your home or to find out information to help them target other homes or property. The best approach is to be suspicious of unusual requests, ask for identity (and take time to look at it carefully), and if in any doubt ask the person to return at another time when someone else is at home with you and/or to leave you with a means of independently verifying who they are.
7. Keeping vigilant: Local observation is often the best way of deterring potential burglars but its usefulness is dependent on how much people participate. As retirement becomes a reality you may now be at home more during the day (see bogus callers above), or may be working from home, which may put you in a better position than previously to monitor local comings and goings. So, if you have a local Neighbourhood Watch, become more involved. If not, contact your local Crime Prevention Officer to find out how to go about setting one up.
8. Insurance: Ultimate peace of mind comes from knowing that financially you will not suffer should the worst happen. So don’t stint on your home and contents insurance, it will only be a false economy (and may even invalidate your policy) should you need to claim. Insurance companies may also provide you with initial advice about suitable locks, etc. to improve your security, as well as making the whole repair and replacement procedure simpler in the unlikely event that you do need to claim.
Click here for more useful information for the over 50s from in my prime.