Living in a home that is not secure is dangerous and frightening. You can protect your home from being targeted from crime by adding equipment to your doors, windows and elsewhere.

When you go out, you should always lock the door and close the windows, even if you’re only leaving for a short time.

Your external doors should have three locking points. Mortice locks can be bought at a local do-it-yourself store and can add considerable strength to your door. It’s a good idea to use window locks, especially if the windows are old or don’t have double glazing. Use deadlocks if possible, because they make it harder for thieves to get out again.

If you’re thinking of getting PVC or metal framed doors or windows, make sure they come with locks and a fitted chain. Patio doors should have special locks fitted to the top and bottom. You could ask a do-it-yourself store for advice on which patio doors are most secure.

Don’t leave spare house keys in a garage or shed. Instead, you should keep these locked and consider using a batter-operated alarm. Inside your house, keep your car and garage keys out of sight. And never leave window and door keys in their locks.

To keep thieves from targeting your house, don’t forget to draw your curtains at night. Make sure your valuables cannot be easily seen from the outside. About 58 per cent of burglaries occur in the evening or at night, and 34 per cent occur on weekends.

If you’ll be out of the house overnight or for an extended period of time, try to make it seem like someone is at home. It’s not recommended to use a television, but you should use timers for lights and radios.

Keeping your house well-lit, along with installing visible burglar alarms can deter thieves. Recessed areas and doorways should have good lighting, although make sure that the lights don’t disturb your neighbours. Security alarms should turn off every 20 minutes.

Solid fencing or walls around your house could let a thief break in without being seen. Chain-link fencing or trellises with prickly shrubs might be better options. Remember that trees or shrubs can be good hiding places for thieves. Make sure that any garden tools or ladders that could be used to break into your home are not accessible.

You should fit a spy hole so you can see who is at the door to prevent strangers from intruding. A door chain is also convenient for talking to unknown visitors.

Finally, participate in your local neighbourhood watch scheme to fight burglary. In case it would happen to you, mark your valuables with a property-marking product. Remember that home security is important, but ensure that none of the additions will make it more difficult for you to escape your home if there is a fire.

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not part of the police. Call 0800 555 111 or fill out the secure Giving Information Form on the charity’s website to pass on information to Crimestoppers anonymously. Calls and online forms are not traced and no personal details of the caller are taken. This means people who pass on information will never have to give a statement or go to court.

Please note: Crime prevention advice is the advice of trusted organisations and third parties and not Crimestoppers. Find more crime prevention advice from these sources on Crimestoppers’ website.

Crimestoppers has profiles on social networking websites including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Visit Crimestoppers’ blog, I spy a crime.

Tags: Burglar Alarms & Security Systems, home security, Keycutting, Locksmiths, Security Services & Equipment