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Home security

Advice on increasing security and deterring burglars

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Burglary advice animationA lot of burglaries take place on the spur of the moment when a burglar sees an open window or other easy way in. You can take simple steps to avoid this type of opportunistic crime. 

In your home

  • Lock all windows and doors before you go out or to bed
  • Fit security measures such as intruder alarms, door chains and door locks. A spy hole lets you see who's at your door
  • Avoid labelling house keys in case you lose them and they fall into the wrong hands
  • Don't leave keys (including car keys) or other valuables near doors or windows.

Around your home

  • Make sure fences, hedges and gates are in good condition
  • Install external security lights (but make sure the lights don't affect your neighbours and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes)
  • Avoid leaving side gates open and make sure ladders and garden equipment that could be used to force entry are not left out
  • Keep garages and sheds locked and alarmed
  • Store bins carefully so that they cannot be used as a climbing aid
  • Never hide spare house keys outside or in a shed  
  • Dispose of packaging carefully - wrapping and boxes you put outside your house on bin day advertises what you have in your house.

Read more advice on keeping your shed, garage and allotment secure.

 

Lights on a timerIf you are away from home

  • Use timers for lights and radios - this will create the impression someone is home
  • Cancel regular deliveries, such as milk and newspapers
  • Make sure garden furniture is stored away and that sheds and garden gates are locked
  • Ask a relative or trusted neighbour to pop in and move any post or junk mail from inside your door
  • Arrange for the curtains to be opened and closed
  • Offer your neighbours the use of your driveway  
  • Check your insurance policy - some policies don't provide cover if you are away for more than 30 days

 

Watch our video for tips on protecting your home

If you are a victim of burglary

As soon as you are aware that you have been the victim of a burglary and/or your property has been stolen:

  • Contact your bank/building society/credit card company immediately to cancel any bank/credit cards - do this even before you report the incident to the police
  • Report the incident to the police, either by calling 101 or by contacting your neighbourhood policing team
  • Complete a stolen property record form to help list exactly what items have been stolen 
  • Contact your home contents insurer 
  • Replace door and window locks.

All this information, including the property record forms, is available in our burglary advice pack - for you to download.

 

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