Keeping your home safe

It’s important to feel safe in your own home. According to the police, homes with no security measures are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures in place.

If your home has been burgled, it can affect your finances but also impact your emotional wellbeing and sense of security. You can contact us for help and emotional support even if you haven’t reported the crime.

Here are ten tips to protect your home from burglars:

Inside your house

1. Lock your door when you’re at home as well as when you go out. It might sound obvious but it can go a long way in preventing opportunist thieves stealing valuables from your home.

2. Keep your windows shut or consider fitting window restrictors if you like to leave the window open when you are asleep. Good window locks can make all the difference.

3. Hide all valuables, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox.

Outside your house

4. Consider installing extra security such as CCTV or outside security lights to deter potential burglars.

5. Store ladders and tools that can be used to assist in home entry in a shed or garage that is secured with a strong lock.

6. Trim overgrown plants and shrubs so there aren’t any hidings places for burglars.

7. Don’t hide keys in obvious places, like outside the front door. Burglars will often look in the letterbox or under a plant pot as a matter of course.

When you’re away

8. Make your house look lived-in – burglars won’t be attracted by a full house. Consider using the Royal Mail’s ‘keepsafe’ service – they keep your mail for up to two months while you’re away.

9. You may be tempted to tell the world about your exciting holiday plans – but sharing too much information on social media could give a burglar information about when your house is empty. Think about who can see this information before you post it.

10. Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. These are run by communities for communities so each one is different. To find out more about your local group visit the Neighbourhood Watch website.

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