Keeping Your Home Safe

Help keep your home safe, inside and out with 5 of our top tips.

1. Doors

• You would find it surprising how many burglars simply walk into homes with unlocked doors. Always lock your doors – even if you are only popping out for a short time, or if you think its fine because you are home. The majority of burglars are opportunists who take advantage of unlocked doors and windows. For added safety when you are home, add a door chain or snib.
• Never leave your keys in or near the door as they could be removed through the letterbox. To ensure your letterbox is extra secure, consider fitting one which has an internal cover plate.

2. Bogus Callers

• It’s good to be wary of unexpected callers. They could be from your Gas or Electricity supplier – and most times will be genuine callers, but they will understand your caution.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for identification as proof they are who they claim to be. Genuine callers will be happy to provide their credentials, or let you call their business to confirm the identity.
• If you are still not convinced, do not let them in and rearrange a time for them to come back when someone else is home with you.

3. Windows

• Burglars often target homes which have windows open as these can be used as a point of entry. It takes only a few simple steps to secure your windows before leaving the house or going to bed:
• Close and lock all your windows;
• Ensure windows which are easily accessible are double glazed; and
• Avoid leaving keys and valuables in plain sight, instead place them away safely and securely.

4. Mark your property

• Marking property is becoming a much more common practice; it really helps police identify your belongings and return them to you in the event of theft. Take photographs of your valuables, and mark these items with your postcode and house number. There lots of ways to do this; some are obvious, some are invisible or hidden. They range from simple ultra violet pens to etching and engraving. You can also obtain stickers for your windows which state your property has been marked, acting as a deterrent to thieves.

5. Don’t broadcast when you aren’t home

• We all like to share our exciting holiday plans, and days out on social media. However, this is an open invitation to burglars that your house is empty and they could break in with no interruption and reduced likelihood of being caught in the act.
• Hold off until you are home to share your photos!