Home Security
As with all crime types, prevention is better than cure. Taking a few simple measures can make yourself less likely to be burgled.
Hide your valuables
Keep any valuable items such as jewellery, tablets and other gadgets out of sight. Most burglars are opportunist and will take whatever is out on show as it is quicker.
Keep your keys in a safe place
Your house may be secure, but are your keys? Don’t leave them in the door, or within easy reach or on a shelf where they could be got at through the letterbox.
Secure your windows (and doors)
If any locks are damaged, replace them. It will make it easier for someone to get access. If your windows are old, consider sash jammers to stop the window being forced open. Ensure all doors are locked and consider additional bolts.
Don’t make it obvious you are not in
Get someone to move any mail away from the letter box, so it looks like some is in. Have timer switches on lights at different times. If you have an alarm, use it.
Ensure your insurance is adequate enough
If you are broken into, it is likely you will need to replace items, make sure your insurance is up to date and covers everything of value in your home. Some policies will cover for locks to be replaced too, as these can be expensive.
Use security lighting outside
Motion sensor lights are a good way to put burglars off. It will make them easier to be seen trying to get inside your home.
Shed Security
There can often be a lot of valuable items located in your garden shed, or outbuilding. Ensure your shed is as secure as it can be.
Replace the door hinge
This is one of your sheds weak points. Consider replacing the existing hinges for stronger ‘T Hinge’ ones, use coach bolts and not screws so they can’t be easily pried off.
Use a hasp and staple lock and padlock
These can be screwed (bolted if possible) to upgrade the existing lock. When closed they cover the bolts making it harder to remove.
Cover windows
If you don’t need replace them with wooden panels. If you do, put blinds or curtains up, closing them when you’re not using it. Windows are a sheds weak point.
Fit a PIR alarm
These are relatively inexpensive and provide an audible alarm if someone gets in it will go off – use the warning stickers too, as a visual deterrent.
Lock larger items together
If you have to store expensive items in your shed, chain them together to make it harder for a thief to take them. Also, security mark your items to put thieves off taking them.
Check your insurance
Ensure your insurance covers items stored, some don’t and you have to pay a premium. It won’t stop a thief, but if items are stolen you’ll be able to replace them.