There’s no better way to secure a conviction, or get your belongings back, than catching a criminal in the act. Four practical measures give you the best chance of doing exactly that.
Petty theft and vandalism can happen to any home or business, and staying one step ahead of offenders is mostly a matter of preparation. Here’s how to put yourself in the strongest position, so that if someone does target you, they’re far more likely to be caught.
Let the camera do the watching
The best deterrent is a properly installed CCTV system. Criminals are far less likely to try their luck if they think every move is being recorded. And if they do, the footage gives you clear evidence for the police and your insurer, and a much better chance of getting your valuables back. If you don’t have cameras yet, it’s worth making them a priority.
Use tracking technology
Modern technology helps in more ways than you might expect. Find My Phone apps for Android and Apple let you locate a stolen handset at the touch of a button, and similar tools can help you trace a laptop or tablet. Some anti-theft apps will even take a photo of whoever enters the wrong passcode.
Set up before anything goes missing
- Switch on Find My Phone (or the Android equivalent) on every device
- Enable tracking on laptops and tablets, and keep a note of serial numbers
- Consider an anti-theft app that photographs wrong passcode attempts
- Use strong passcodes, so a thief can’t simply switch tracking off
Don’t forget forensics
With so much gadgetry around, it’s easy to overlook tried and tested methods. Fingerprints remain one of the best ways to implicate an offender. Once you’re sure a break-in has happened, avoid touching anything unnecessarily and call the police. They can look for fingerprints, blood, saliva or anything else an intruder may have left behind.
Step up your wider security
CCTV works best as part of a bigger picture. A reliable intruder alarm tells you the moment someone enters, and can alert the authorities at the same time. Modern wireless systems are also quick to fit and cause minimal disruption to your décor. If you’d like advice on the right combination for your property, book a free survey and we’ll talk you through it.
