Safer Home Security or will you be next

Unfortunately it is a fact of life, more and more homes and innocent people are being burglared daily. In recent figures released by the UK Government it states that 2 in every 100 houses will be targeted by burglars and this is actually a reduction. For a variety of reasons, people do not always report crimes to the police - which means they don't get reflected in police recorded crime figures. In the United States the 2005 figures are rising and the burglary rates are at over 2 million and property crime is at over 10 million.

Some Basic Home Security Measures that Could Save You!

You can't 100% guarantee you will not be a victim of crime but you can help make sure that your chances are vastly reduced by taking some simple and effective FREE crime prevention measures and stay safe at home.

• Draw your curtains after dark and if you think there is a prowler outside call the Police
• Use only your surname and initials in the telephone directory and on the doorplate. That way a stranger won’t know if a man or a woman lives there
• If you see signs of a break-in at your home, like a smashed window or open door, don’t go in. Go to a neighbour and call the police.
• If you are selling your home, don’t show people around on your own. Ask your estate agent to send a representative with anyone who wants to view your house.
• If other people such as previous tenants could still have keys that fit, change the locks. Don’t give keys to workmen or tradesmen, as they can easily make copies.
• Make sure your house or flat is secure. Always secure outside doors. Fit barrel locks top and bottom. If you have to use a key, keep it in a safe place away from the door where you can find it quickly in an emergency – you may need to use the door in the event of fire.
  
• Make sure you close all windows and doors when you go out
• Don't leave ladders left out, this will allow access to otherwise inaccessible windows
• Garden tools can be used to force entry, make sure these are not left lying around
• Join neighbourhood watch, or if there isn't one contact your local crime prevention officer about starting one.
• When ever possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows. Don't leave your new laptop on the kitchen table!
• If you are going on vacation try to make your property look like it is still occupied (24hour security timers are useful)
• Cancel any deliveries (newspaper, milk)
• enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the front door clear of mail or other deliveries.
• If you are going out for the night close your curtains and leave a radio playing
• Remember to set the alarm if you have one, event at night whilst you are asleep
  

Make your property an unattractive target!

Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him or her the best opportunity to carry out their crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured. Get a burglar alarm system installed, security cameras, modern security locks fitted on your windows, doors and don't forget the patio doors. Get a small safe to keep your bank cards and jewelry safer. These steps could cost you a lot less in the future. It is not just the financial implications its also you and your families safety.

We recommend that you contact your local police department for further FREE crime prevention information and advice to suit your individual needs.