![]() Retrofitting UPVC and PVCU doors or windows with locks could weaken them or invalidate warranties. When fitting a lock to a window or door, use the strongest screws you can, not necessarily the ones supplied, and make sure they are all to British Standard BS7950. If you can't afford to get a full alarm system fitted, you can also get fake burglar alarm boxes, which cost around £15 to £20, instead. Visit our page on Burglar alarm and installation costs for more advice on the types of alarms and prices, what to avoid if you're thinking of getting one, and how you could save as much as nearly £400 on your burglar alarm cost. Or see fully tested 'bells-only' and smart security alarms in our reviews. Get advice on which type of alarm to buy in How to buy the best burglar alarm guide. If you have a burglar alarm system, make sure the external sounder or 'bell box’ is clearly visible on your property to let potential burglars know you have an alarm. Here are our top tips, some of which cost little or nothing: Visible burglar alarm There are various ways to protect your home. In our survey, we asked what puts burglars off. One told us: 'You can just knock, then pretend you're from an energy company if someone is there.' What puts burglars off Opportunists, on the other hand, can visit a promising neighbourhood and break in the same day. They might also now check your social media or online presence. This could mean going through your rubbish for a name on your mail, and then searching online to find a landline phone number and calling to see whether you're in. More professional burglars will do this for two or three days, according to the ex-burglars we spoke to. Once a burglar has chosen a property to target, they will often scope it out. One told us that they would look for high hedges and anything else that would protect them from a neighbour’s line of sight. They'll also consider whether or not their access route is overlooked. There are potentially more people about, plus it's hard to make a quick escape out the back if the burglar has to navigate lots of fences. How secure is the shed or garage? Is it always kept locked with high-quality padlocks and security locks?.Are there any ladders lying around that a burglar could use?.Is accessing your house noisy for a burglar? For example, is there gravel around the property?.Do you have high walls and hedges, which could give burglars protection from being seen?.Is there a spare key that’s easily visible, or easy to find, such as underneath a plant pot or above the ledge on the door?.Do your windows and doors have visible locks?.Are windows and doors left open, even if they're not easily accessible?.Also, avoid mentioning about going away on any public-facing social media accounts as you never know who is browsing your profile. Consider using lights on timers or getting a friend or neighbour to occasionally pop around to check on your home. ![]() It's therefore important to think about measures to ensure your home looks occupied at all times, that there aren't any clear places where a potential burglar could hide to assess the house.Īlso, don't make it obvious that you are away on holiday. How good is your home security?Īs well as opportunistic burglaries, some burglars scope out a property beforehand, sometimes working with other criminals. If you'd like to get a burglar alarm, take a look our burglar alarm reviews and advice on buying the best burglar alarm for your home. The good news is that there's a range of ways to make your home safer, by considering each possible entry point to your home, such as doors and windows, to see how they could be improved. Although burglary rates have fallen steadily over the past decade, becoming victim is traumatic, disruptive and also generally expensive to rectify. ![]()
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