It’s easy to assume crime is a city problem and that village life is safer. In reality, burglars work in both, and the risks simply look different. Wherever you live, it pays to understand what makes your property attractive.
Here’s how security concerns tend to compare between urban and rural locations, and what you can do about them.
Living in the city
Busy areas generally record more crime, simply because more people live there. Some neighbourhoods also face particular challenges, including organised groups and opportunistic offending linked to hardship.
On the other hand, cities have plenty of passers-by. A burglar trying a door or window on a busy street is more likely to be seen, which is one reason many offenders prefer a quieter target. Densely packed homes can also mean neighbours notice when something doesn’t look right.
Living in the countryside
Rural areas are far from crime-free. Larger homes, outbuildings, vehicles and tools can be valuable, and isolated properties with quiet roads give offenders more time and less chance of being spotted. Offenders may also travel in from elsewhere, so a low local population doesn’t always mean low risk.
Location changes who might see a burglar. It doesn’t change whether your property is worth protecting.
What stays the same
Security basics for any location
- Good quality locks on all external doors and accessible windows
- Lighting at entry points and around outbuildings
- A professionally installed alarm that is set every time you leave
- Valuables, keys and tools kept out of sight and secured
- Neighbours who know to look out for one another
Choosing the right protection
The measures you need depend on the property rather than the postcode. In towns, visible CCTV can be a strong deterrent. In more isolated places, an intruder alarm can matter even more, as it can alert you or a keyholder when no one is nearby to notice a problem.
Modern wireless systems can also cover garages, sheds and other outbuildings, which are often the first targets in rural settings, and many let you check in remotely from your phone.
Get a view from the doorstep
Every property has its own weak points, whether it sits in the middle of town or at the end of a country lane. Our team can walk round with you, point out where the risks are and suggest sensible, proportionate fixes.
