Don’t make it easy for burglars to break in...

HOW YOU CAN PREVENT THE WORST HAPPENING

ACCORDING to national crime statistics there were over 275,000 reported domestic burglaries in England and Wales during 2021. That equates to over 750 per day or one every two minutes.

Although the number of burglaries is down 28% on pre-pandemic levels, probably due to more of us being at home and remote working, there is typically an increase of around 10% in the number of burglaries during the dark winter months.

Research from Admiral Insurance shows November and December are the worst months for burglaries – a fifth of claims over the last seven years have taken place during these months when crooks find it easier to move around undetected and when they know there are rich pickings to be had.

The most common things stolen in burglaries are cash, bank cards/credit cards, jewellery, and electronic goods such as laptops and smartphones. The average monetary cost of a burglary is around £600 but for many being a victim of a burglary can have a real impact on their lives, particularly if they lose their treasured heirlooms. And it leaves many people anxious and feeling unsafe in their own home.

“It’s great news that the number of domestic burglaries has fallen over the last few years, says Catherine Wray, product manager at Leeds Building Society. “But people must continue to be vigilant, and we must make it difficult for would-be burglars, particularly at this time of year.

“There are many things we can all do to make our homes more secure – and the good news is many are cheap to do.”

Research has shown that households where there are no home security measures in place are far more likely to be targeted by burglars – accounting for around 30% of all burglaries last year.

According to the British Crime Survey, one of the major factors affecting whether you fall victim to burglary is the presence, or lack of home security measures.

So, what can you do to make life more difficult for burglars and what should you do during the run-up to Christmas when your house may be full of presents you have bought for the big day?

Catherine adds: “At this time of year, we all tend to have lots of extra gifts around the house so it makes sense to spend some time making sure that your house is as secure as it can be.

“Doing simple things like joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, always locking your doors even when you are in the house, right through to buying some timer switches for your lights, will help protect you and your possessions.

“We all want you to enjoy the festive period, so whatever you do, don’t make it easy for burglars this Christmas time.”

TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE LIFE HARD FOR BURGLARS Lock your doors and windows when you are out

Your home is only as secure as its weakest point of entry. That’s why it’s so important to have doors and windows that are as secure as possible. Whether you live in a flat or a house, your front door will always tell a thief the levels of security surrounding your home. If it looks secure and burglarresistant, then they’ll think twice about trying to gain entry.

Strong door locks are a must

Many insurance companies offer discounts on home insurance for properties where strong locks are fitted. It’s also worth fitting visible, key-operated window locks. Window locks are widely available and relatively inexpensive and provide an extra deterrent to burglars. But remember not to leave the window keys in the locks.

Out of sight means out of mind

Draw your curtains and blinds at night so burglars can’t see inside your house and keep valuable items out of sight. This is particularly important as we approach the festive period when you may have Christmas presents out on display.

Fit a burglar alarm

Burglar alarms act as a major deterrent to burglars. In a study conducted among former burglars, over 60% of them said they would look to see if there was a burglar alarm before robbing a house.

If an alarm system was present, most burglars would move along to another target. If you do have an alarm, then always remember to set it when you are leaving your home unoccupied and at night-time.

Lights can deter a thief

Timer switches can be used to turn lights and radios on when there is no one in the house – these are relatively cheap and available from DIY stores. An infrared sensor that switches on when something is in range can also warn off a would-be intruder. External security lights will also act as a deterrent for burglars.

Install smart video doorbell cameras

Smart video doorbells offer considerable peace of mind while also deterring potential burglars from approaching your property. They range in price from around £50 to £200 and act as a virtual guard, receptionist and video recorder all in one.

From watching out for cars parked on the drive, to deterring “porch pirates”, who steal parcel deliveries left in porches, and protecting your neighbourhood, the video doorbell is becoming more and more popular with homeowners. Most video doorbells work hand-in-hand with other smart home gadgets, such as wi-fi security cameras, smart alarms and smart speakers.

Lock your garden shed

Putting your garden tools and ladders away is always a good idea at this time of year, as is locking your garden shed so burglars cannot use tools to break into your house. It’s also worth getting a padlock for your side gate so burglars cannot get easy access to the back of your house.

Don’t hide your keys

All of the places you can think of to hide your spare key, burglars have probably already thought of too. Research by Admiral Home Insurance revealed that the average homeowner

‘‘ Over 60% of former burglars said they would look to see if there was an alarm first

has seven sets of house keys, with one in five of us admitting to keeping a spare key under a doormat or flowerpot outside. A quarter of older homeowners keep keys outside, but younger homeowners are even more likely (62%) to keep a key under a flowerpot or doormat – making their homes an easy target for burglars.

Be prepared for the worst

Take pictures and record details of your valuables in case they are stolen, so your insurer can assess any claim. If you have the time, consider making an inventory of all your valuables and keep receipts of all high-value goods in a safe place. Make sure you have all the relevant contact numbers and policy documents from your home/ contents insurer just in case.

Mark belongings

It’s also worth marking your goods with a UV indelible pen or by etching your postcode on to commonly stolen goods such as electrical items. If you have a bike, these should also have your postcode etched on – it’s worth seeing if your local police or crime prevention team do this.

Everybody needs good neighbours

Join your Neighbourhood Watch scheme. If you know your neighbours well, it might be worth giving them a spare key. Apparently one in five of us do this, with around 56% of us asking neighbours to keep an eye on our house while we are away. If your street has a scheme it’s certainly worth joining as it will give you an extra layer of protection.

Many insurers will also give you a discount if you are a member of a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

CONTACT

met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention