Breaking into a home is a lot easier than you would imagine and you don’t need to be a striped rogue with a balaclava to do so. There’s no time that your home can really and truly escape burglary and the winter time is a prime time for your house being broken into.
Only around 60% of burglaries are through forced entry according to statistics, which would suggest that a large number of homes are breached easily and a lot of burglaries can be prevented. Of course, knowing the most common ways of entry into a home gives you the information to prevent your home being robbed.
Ideal Targets
The best target of all is one that the person will not return back to in a hurry, meaning that houses where people are away on holidays are ideal. Things such as bins being left out, letters in the mail box and deliveries outside the door are all giveaway signs. Leaving on a radio as a sign of life or putting lights and TVs on times is a good way to fake someone being there. Also be sure to keep anything worth money out of sight this sort of opportunism is the most likely to see a home being burgled.
Be Seen
If you have security items, they should remain seen as this is a great deterrent. Large lights, dogs and alarms are all great ways to deter the daredevil burglar breaking into a home. No person robbing from a home wants trouble and they will be a lot less likely to break in if they see security lights, a big dog or even signs advertising an alarm system.
Openings
People tend to leave parts of their homes open during the winter, they otherwise would not and this really offers burglars an opportunity to breach the home. Be aware of patio doors you opened, or windows you seldom use only on warm days as these become targets for burglars.
Also, ensure that locks are dead bolted, spare keys are out of reach and that windows are all closed and mechanisms are locked to prevent break in.
Occasions
Burglars love occasions and if there is a sign of a wedding, funeral or another event, they will be there – in your home that is. Make sure that neighbors know homes are unoccupied for such occasions and that someone is keeping an eye on the home as this is a prime time for a break in.
Shrubbery
Burglars love shrubs and large trees around homes and can often hide there waiting for you to leave. Place lighting on these parts of the home to prevent them getting away with sneaking through bushes without being noticed. Also be vigilant and aware of anything out of place when out and around your home, whether it is in the garden, garage or elsewhere.
Following these tips will help ensure safety and lower the chances of being burgled substantially.
Cormac Reynolds writes for UK lighting company World of Solar who provide solar security lights to home and businesses.
