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Home Security

Property Information & Advice > Home Security

Since 1996, burglary rates have fallen by nearly 40%. Your risk of being burgled is now lower than at any time in the last 20 years. But that's still too high. There's a lot you can do to protect against burglary. It's mostly common sense, however we don't always remember to use it.

The fact is that most burglaries happen when the home is empty. Most are opportunists.

Two out of every 10 burglaries happen through open or unlocked doors and windows. Most burglaries take less than 10 minutes for a thief to break in, steal and leave.


Who is most at risk?


Student accommodation is often an easy target, with 1 out of 3 students being a victim where their high-tech equipment, games and other belongings are very attractive. Others that are vulnerable include young people living on their own, the elderly, new residents and previous burglary victims.


Protecting your Property


As you are most likely to be burgled when your home is empty, especially when you are on holiday. The following precautions can be taken to avoid burglars:

1. Get a neighbour stop by to collect your mail, switch lights on/off and open/close curtains;
2. Use electronic timers to switch on radios and lights to make it look like you're home when you're not; 3. Cancel your newspaper deliveries and milk;
4. Fit deadlocks making it harder for burglars to get out with your goods if they got in through a window;
5. Fit window locks to deter burglars because smashing glass attracts unwanted attention and can provide forensic evidence;
6. Get a visible burglar alarm, which can be a great deterrent - though to be courteous to your neighbours ensure that turns off after 20 minutes;
7. Security lighting is a good deterrent. It should be carefully fitted near entry points so as not to disturb your neighbours;
8. Spy holes and chains on doors let you see who's there without opening up;
9. Fencing hinders but also helps burglars - make sure it's not easy to hide behind it or easily climb it;