Protect your home from intruders

Protect your home from intruders

Being burgled is something everyone dreads. It’s tempting to think it will never happen because you’re careful, but the sad statistic proves the opposite. Sadly, there’s a theft from the home every 40 seconds in the UK. And here’s the scary bit: almost half of these thefts occur in broad daylight.

Figures show that the most at risk group are families with children, which makes it all the more important to have your wits about you at home. A simple slip is easy to make, especially if you lead a busy life and have kids running in and out of the house all day.

Here are some classic mistakes we hope you’ll be able to avoid.

Fake alarm systems

Many years ago, a fake burglar alarm box would have put off many thieves. Not any more. These boxes are readily available all over the internet, and many of them look exactly the same. Obscure company names and fake phone numbers just reinforce the fact that these boxes have got to go.

Alarm systems on show

Whether it’s through the window or even a reflection, if you can see your system from outside your home, then so can a burglar. Don’t think that just having one is enough; to be secure, it needs to be discreetly positioned.

Houses constantly in darkness

You may have locked all your doors and windows and cancelled the newspaper deliveries, but if the house is dark night after night, then a thief will know you are on holiday. Our homes are routinely lit well into the night, and sometimes in the early hours, so a dark house is a dead giveaway.

Unlocked upper windows

You may not be able to climb up to the first floor to get in your windows, but burglars know they can hoist themselves up and squeeze through the smallest of gaps. Flat roofs, drain pipes and wheely bins all provide the ideal leg-up.

Keys under the flower pot

Someone probably saw you put it there. And even if they didn’t, the person that picks up the key might be watched instead.

Planning ahead

Keeping doors and windows locked may seem simplistic, but it’s wise. It gets you in the habit of closing and locking them unless they need to be open, and it means you’re less likely to forget to check them before you go out or even on holiday. Ensure the locks are high quality so that they can’t be bumped or snapped.

Secondly, keep ladders and tools out of sight. Even if behind a shed, a ladder that can be viewed by a burglar can be used to reach first floor windows. If your bins could be used as a platform, chain them up.

Also, buy an alarm system that works.  Burglars are savvy enough to know real from fake. And make sure the alarm and timers are set when you leave the house overnight.

Don’t let the trauma of burglary happen to you. If you live near Thames Ditton then you should think about installing CCTV to protect your family.

At Angel Security, we don’t want you to suffer the anguish of a break-in. Talk to us today to get advice on the solution for you.