Burglary is a crime that happens every 40 seconds in the UK and is a crime that affects many people. Burglary is classed as any forced entry into a residence to commit the crime of theft. Discovering that you’ve been robbed is a highly emotional and upsetting experience. It’s not just that you may have lost valuable property but also that your personal, private space feels invaded.
Even when nothing has been taken, the feeling of invasion is deeply unsettling.
Some blame themselves if they forgot to secure a window or door or the burglar tricked them, but it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault. Everybody makes security mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you invited the burglar in! Take a look around your property and try to assess where security could be improved. It might be time for new doors and windows if you think your old ones may have let you down. You might even consider Electric Gates Cheltenham. Find out more at https://completegateautomation.co.uk/
You can take steps to make your property less attractive to burglars. Burglars are more likely to attempt a theft on your home if:
- You are away from home
- You’re at home but asleep or distracted
- After Christmas, when homes are full of new and expensive gifts
- A window is left open, or doors are unlocked
Making your home secure is a top priority, and there are various ways you can achieve this:
- Keep ladders out of sight
- Don’t leave side gates open, and check that they are locked and secure
- Don’t leave low levels windows empty at night, even during the summer
- Install new windows, doors and gates for increased security
- Leave on some lights or a radio when you go out
- Check all doors and windows are locked before you go out
Remember to lock your door when you’re at home and when you go out. This can stop opportunist thieves from stealing valuables from your home if you’re in the garden or another room with your back turned. A thief wants to be in and out of your home as quickly as possible – don’t make it easy for them by leaving valuables in plain sight.
There are things that you can do outside your home too. Consider installing extra security, like alarms, CCTV, or security lights. Burglars won’t hang around for long if there’s an alarm blaring and the garden is lit up like a stadium. Try not to hide house keys in prominent places outside, as many burglars will check under the mat, in the letterbox, and under plant pots to see if that’s what you’ve done.
