7 tips to prevent home burglary
1. Don’t make it obvious you’re at work
Closing the blinds tight is a dead giveaway that there’s no-one home. Leave the blinds a bit open as you would if you were home. Consider leaving a radio or TV on too. Remember that most burglaries occur during the day.
2. Install an alarm
Security alarms are proven to be the most effective way to deter thieves, and the most effective alarms are ones that can be seen from the street.
3. Lock your home
Make sure your home is locked up before you go to bed or go out – even if it’s only for a few minutes. Always lock windows and doors. Having keyed locks to all your windows and double-keyed deadlocks on doors means thieves can only leave the same way they got in, making it harder for them to steal big items.
4. Install movement-activated sensor lights
Thieves are shy. If you install sensor lights they’ve be gone in a flash!
5. Don’t leave spare keys out
We all know we shouldn’t do it, but so many people still do! Thieves know all the hiding spots, so don’t risk it. Ever. If you want to have a spare key available in case of emergencies, leave a key with a neighbour or friend.
6. Lock the gates
Back and side entrances allow out of sight access to your home, making it easy for thieves to break in without being seen by neighbours.
7. Lock sheds and garages
Sheds are full of tools that can be used to break into your home. At the very least, you don’t want anyone to steal the mower. Don’t leave valuables like bikes, kayaks, and lawnmowers outside even while you’re at home – it’d very easy to jump the fence and grab something while you’re inside.
8. Don’t tell thieves you’re on holidays
Being away makes your property more vulnerable to theft. Try to make it look as though someone is at home. Get a neighbour to collect mail so that it’s not obvious you are away. Never advertise on Facebook or other social media that you going on a trip.
