Being burgled is a scary experience, and can make you feel unsafe in your own home. It is not always just down to bad luck, though, and there are things you can do to ensure your property is not an easy target. One of the most effective ways to keep burglars at bay is to install visible alarms and CCTV systems. If they think you have security solutions in place that could lead to them getting caught, they are less likely to bother targeting your home.
Here are five things that burglars look for when choosing a property to target.
1. Homeowners that have a set routine
It is horrible to think that someone might be watching you, but, in reality, this is what some burglars do. If they know that you switch on the lights every day at 7am, leave the house to take the kids to school at 8am, and then get home at 9am, they might decide to target your property during this time, as they know the house will be empty. Always ensure that the windows and doors are properly locked.
2. Open windows
Leaving a window open or forgetting to lock your door is like an open invitation for a burglar. It doesn’t matter if the window is on the top floor of your house, or it is a bathroom window that just opens slightly at the top – a burglar will find a way to use any opening to their advantage. Always make sure you lock up properly before you leave the house.
3. Visible valuables
Leaving a new laptop or flat-screen TV in full view of the street is like putting a burglar in front of a shop window. It is always advisable to keep valuable items as hidden as possible – for example, by drawing the curtains before you go out the room – and try not to leave evidence of new purchases (e.g. receipts or packaging) where a burglar could easily see it.
4. Unkempt properties
Long grass, dirty windows and littered driveways are all signals that a house is empty (perhaps because the homeowner has gone away on holiday), and might tempt a burglar into trying to gain entry. Even if it is clear that the house is occupied, a burglar might still take these signs to mean that the homeowner is not very attentive of their property, and, as such, may be lax about keeping doors locked and windows closed.
5. Blind spots
If you live in an area where your neighbours can keep an eye on your property and alert you to any suspicious lurking, a burglar might steer clear. Saying this, they might look out for blind spots, like overgrown bushes or dark passageways, where they can hide without being detected. Keeping bushes cut back and lighting up any dark areas is the best way to protect against this. Does your property have possible blind spots? If so, especially if you live locally in Sanderstead then we’re currently fitting many CCTV systems for worried homeowners, get in touch today.
If you need more advice about protecting your home from burglars, contact us at Angel Security today.
