How to Avoid Burglary
Make it difficult to get into your home., Buy and install window locks., Fit a five-lever mortise deadlock about a third of the way up the door., Make sure that your letterbox is at least 400mm from any locks., Make sure that you have someone to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make it difficult to get into your home.
Two in ten burglaries don’t involve force of any kind.
Make sure that windows and doors are locked and remove spare keys from their usual “hiding place.” -
Step 2: Buy and install window locks.
These can be bought relatively cheaply and installed by yourself or a professional.
Be sure to notify your home insurance provider as your premium may well go down as a result. , Most insurance companies are happy with one Kitemarked to British Standard BS3621. , And whatever you do, don’t leave the keys on a piece of string. , Nothing advertises an empty post than a pile of junk mail on a doormat. ,,, This will put off and draw attention to would-be burglars.
Make sure that they’re directed downwards so as not to annoy passing traffic and neighbours and always position them out of reach (about
2.5m is recommended). , Outbuildings and garages are particularly vulnerable and will often be starting place for opportunistic thieves looking for a screwdriver or crowbar.
Make sure they’re securely locked. , Most burglars will be deterred by an alarm.
You should avoid cheap models, though, as false alarms are a nuisance to you and your neighbours.
If you have or are getting an alarm, make sure to test it periodically and ensure that it meets British Standard BS4737 or BS6799 (wire-free) or the new European Standard EN50131-1. , They will likely be able to offer you a substantial reduction in your premium. -
Step 3: Fit a five-lever mortise deadlock about a third of the way up the door.
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Step 4: Make sure that your letterbox is at least 400mm from any locks.
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Step 5: Make sure that you have someone to move your post.
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Step 6: Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries.
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Step 7: Cut the lawn before you go away.
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Step 8: Install motion activated lighting.
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Step 9: Secure garages and sheds.
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Step 10: Invest in quality alarms.
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Step 11: Let your insurance company know of your upgrades.
Detailed Guide
Two in ten burglaries don’t involve force of any kind.
Make sure that windows and doors are locked and remove spare keys from their usual “hiding place.”
These can be bought relatively cheaply and installed by yourself or a professional.
Be sure to notify your home insurance provider as your premium may well go down as a result. , Most insurance companies are happy with one Kitemarked to British Standard BS3621. , And whatever you do, don’t leave the keys on a piece of string. , Nothing advertises an empty post than a pile of junk mail on a doormat. ,,, This will put off and draw attention to would-be burglars.
Make sure that they’re directed downwards so as not to annoy passing traffic and neighbours and always position them out of reach (about
2.5m is recommended). , Outbuildings and garages are particularly vulnerable and will often be starting place for opportunistic thieves looking for a screwdriver or crowbar.
Make sure they’re securely locked. , Most burglars will be deterred by an alarm.
You should avoid cheap models, though, as false alarms are a nuisance to you and your neighbours.
If you have or are getting an alarm, make sure to test it periodically and ensure that it meets British Standard BS4737 or BS6799 (wire-free) or the new European Standard EN50131-1. , They will likely be able to offer you a substantial reduction in your premium.
About the Author
Nathan Murphy
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow DIY projects tutorials.
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