Aside from installing a burglar alarm system, there are a range of ways to make your home safer. You can look at each possible entry area of your home, such as doors and windows, to see how they could be improved.
If you would like to get a burglar alarm, take a look at our page on the type of burglar alarm systems, as well as our guide to the top rated burglar alarm companies, according to our survey of more than 1,800 burglar alarm owners.
How exposed and how secure is your home?
As well as opportunistic burglaries, some burglars scope out a property beforehand, sometimes working with others. It’s therefore important to think about what will ensure your home looks occupied at all times, that there aren’t obvious places where a burglar can hide to assess the house and that their entrance to the house is visible and difficult.
Ask yourself:
- Is it obvious when you’re on holiday or away from the home?
- For example, are your curtains always shut or is there lots of unopened post?
- Are windows and doors left open, even if they’re not easily accessible?
- Do your windows and doors have visible locks?
- How well lit is the outside of your home?
- Is there a spare key that’s easily visible, or easy to find, such as underneath the plant pot or above the ledge on the door?
- Are the lights on or off all the time, making it look like you’re away?
- Do you have high walls and hedges, which could give burglars protection from being seen?
- Is accessing your house noisy for a burglar?
- For example, is there gravel?
- Are there any ladders lying around that a burglar could use? What equipment do you keep in your shed and garage?
- What is its value and can it be used to help someone break in?
- How secure is the shed or garage?
- Is it always kept locked with high-quality padlocks and security locks?
