Would You Burgle Your Home?
Many burglaries happen because of the simple fact the houses look easy to break into. There may be a bundle of letters at the door, no lights on or a backdoor left unlocked, it makes entering the property tempting for burglars. If you are wondering how to stop this, take a look at your street, you can easily tell which houses are unoccupied, away or have people living in them.
The main thing to remember is that your home must always look lived in, with no temptation of goods on show. For example leaving your blinds open with a huge TV on show, smartphones or tablets on the sofa. Once you notice it, you won’t do it again, but picking up on all of the things you’ve done previously will surprise you.
How to Obstruct a Burglar from your Home
If you are looking for a way to simply prevent your home being a victim of a burglary, then these points can help to prevent a burglary. No matter if you live in a built up area, or in a quiet village or countryside, the same rules apply. It’s imperative that you make it look like there is someone home and you never leave the temptation on display. At night light up rooms and angle your blinds in the day where nothing can be seen. This will show that people are inside but will show you’re aware. That said, here are ten ways to prevent a burglary:
- Don’t leave expensive items on display or insight
- If you’re out/away invest in timers for your lights (don’t make the time too obvious, maybe opt for 7:22 for example, or have more than one to alternate.)
- Never leave your doors unlocked, even if you’re home
- Check your windows and doors at night and before you leave
- Outdoor motion lights can prevent burglars from trying your home
- Don’t make it known when you’re away – social media can be terrible for this reason
- Move your post – leaving them on display can make it appear that you’re away.
- Likewise with leaving your deliveries or boxes out
- A ‘FakeTV’ is a powered box that is designed to mimic the lights of a TV. This can last up to 7 hours at a time
- Don’t be afraid to ask your neighbours for help. Ask your close neighbours to move post, open blinds or switch on lights if you’re away. Or even if you live alone, ask them to listen out for you
- The most obvious – a home alarm! Yes, this will show when you’re not in, but it will alarm the street should the worst happen
Most of all, just be cautious with who you’re telling your private information to. You may be surprised to know that some burglaries are actually done by people you know, simply because you’ve told them that you’re away or won’t be home. Social media can often be the biggest cause of burglaries due to the fact that you’re publicising all over social media that you’re not home. Unless you live with people who are still home or have a house sitter, this is something you shouldn’t do. Yes, we all love to see your holiday snaps, but please keep these to yourself, at least until you come home.