To protect your property from criminals, you need to understand how they think. Some features of a building make breaking in much easier, and features you think look welcoming may be doing you no favours.
You could be inviting a burglar in without knowing it. See if you recognise any of these warning signs at your home.
No outdoor lighting
Most thieves work in darkness because there is less chance of being seen. Lighting at the front and back of the house is a huge deterrent, since neighbours and passers-by could spot someone breaking in or carrying things out. A property with no outdoor lighting can look like a prospective target.
High walls, trees and hedges
High fences, walls and hedges are meant to keep intruders out, but they also stop anyone seeing a burglar at work. Overgrown bushes and clutter in the garden provide cover as well. Keep boundaries sensible and the garden tidy so there’s nowhere to hide.
Burglars want to be in and out unseen. Anything that hides them, from darkness to a tall hedge, is on their side.
No sign of a security system
Visible security acts as a deterrent as well as a defence. If a burglar spots a camera or the box of an alarm system on the outside of the house, they will probably move on. Without one, it’s much easier to get away with plenty of stolen goods and no one alerted. A professionally fitted CCTV system adds another layer of deterrence and gives you evidence if the worst happens.
Damaged or weak doors
The easiest way into most houses is through a door. Visible damage to a door or lock tells a burglar the job will be simple. Many locks can also be picked by experienced criminals, so take extra measures such as additional locks or a stronger door.
A house that looks empty
An unoccupied home means less risk of getting caught or having to confront the owners. No car outside and no lights on are the usual giveaways. Put lights on timers, and if you’re going on holiday ask a neighbour to pop in regularly.
Don’t be a target. Fix the weak points above and you’ll be well on the way to beating the burglar.
