Approximately seven million homes were victims of property burglary during 2013. Data from Privilege Home Insurance has identified five common methods that criminals are using to target your home.

• Metal detectors are being used to discover hiding places within properties during a burglary.
  With some of the most wanted items being jewellery, laptops and mobile phones, metal detectors are a burglars new best friend.

• Cashing in anonymously is the second trick that criminals are practising.
  This involves using a ‘cash for gold’ envelope stuffed full of stolen goods. Burglars post these envelopes very quickly as they leave your home and receive money in return in a swift and untraceable manner.

• Garage theft. The analysed Privilege data has found that thieves are targeting garage doors that use a single locking system.

"On average, victims of garage theft lose items worth a total of £973.” explained Dan Simson, head of Privilege Home Insurance.

• A sticky situation.
  Homeowners need to be on the lookout for mysterious stickers appearing within their porches or on their windows. Burglars will use advertising stickers such as a fake locksmith, this will highlight your house as easy pickings.

• Apple Picking.
  This crime can happen at any time and anywhere. ‘Apple picking’ is a term used to describe a robbery in which phones or devices are snatched directly from your hands. Usually, the thieves are on bicycles and victims of apple picking are encouraged to contact the Police immediately and not to pursue a criminal themselves. “The best advice here is to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when using a phone in public.” Explained Simson.

Protect your castle from burglars

When a ‘Beware of the dog’ sign is just not enough, it’s time to protect your home by other methods. Proven deterrents such as burglar alarms and CCTV home security systems can protect your home 24 hours a day.

CCTV at home – Domestic CCTV systems are a huge warning sign to potential intruders. Even when you’re sleeping or at work, these cameras can capture anything occurring at your home. This equipment can provide evidence instantly to the Police if a break-in were to happen.

Alarms – Burglar alarms are a sure way of showing a thief you’re not an easy target. Choosing the right burglar alarm for you can maximise your home security.

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