In their crime prevention advice on burglary, the Police UK website and also in the West Midlands video on top tips to keep your home safe from burglars, burglar alarms are recommended.
Clearly this advice is being given out to police forces all over the country, including Kent, Essex and London.
As we mentioned recently, Operation Bisley saw Essex Police testing wooden doors and side gates to ensure they were securely bolted.
Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures.
Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key but check any connecting double doors are also secure first).
Police UK say that in most burglaries, the criminals broke into the house or flat through the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. Fit a good quality rim lock and also a mortice lock. Consider fitting a bar for extra strength. Wooden doors with glazed insets are particularly vulnerable to smash and grab attacks.
Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox - a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox or any glazed panes could be smashed.
Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows and store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault
Install a visual burglar alarm
This makes you much less vulnerable to smash and grab raids and break ins.
Install good outside lighting
Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property
Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition - and grow spiky plants along them on trellis so they are harder to climb over. However, you should improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges
Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immovable object inside a locked shed or garage
Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home
Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property and don't leave attractive garden machinery within sight/reach
Mark your property with postcode and house number. You can also register your property for free with Immobilise.
Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or form your own. Find out more here
Find out how a burglar alarm or home security system could keep your Kent property safe from crime.
Be aware of Distraction Burglars
The Police UK site also talks about the problems of Distraction Burglary and advises that you should not open the door if you are uncertain about the identity of the caller. Alternatively, you could invest in a Door Entry System. These are intercom or video devices which can allow you to find out more about your visitor first. You can then verify who they say they are by using a telephone number from the internet - don't use any phone contact details provided by the caller if they say they are from a utility company - gas, electricity, water or even the police!
Holiday Plans
If you're going away on holiday, don't announce it on Facebook, Twitter or other social media platforms.
Make sure you cancel any deliveries like milk or newspapers or your weekly vegetable or supermarket shopping.
Ensure that your lighting timers are programmed to come on at extra times during your absence.
If you have one of our alarm systems with 24/7 Monitoring, your security is already in safe hands. We can watch your property whilst you enjoy yourself.
Our team are here to help you every step of the way
At Spy Alarms, our team are friendly, helpful and on hand to assist you with any security concerns you may have. For a FREE site survey, please get in touch with our team today.
