Burglars are most likely to be put off breaking into homes by CCTV cameras and barking dogs, while homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures.

Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglary. Here are a few tips:

Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even if you’re just stepping out to the garden. This includes ensuring that all UPVC doors are double-locked by lifting the handle and turning the key fully to secure them. This simple but effective measure helps prevent unauthorised entry and enhances your home’s security.
Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox, as burglars can use tools to hook keys through the letterbox. Keeping keys in a hidden location ensures that potential thieves cannot easily access them and reduces the risk of your property being targeted.
Install a visual burglar alarm as part of a comprehensive suite of prevention measures. While a burglar alarm alone is not a foolproof deterrent, when combined with other security measures, it can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in by alerting both you and potential intruders to a security breach.
Good outside lighting is crucial for home security. Installing LED security lighting around the perimeter of your property ensures that dark areas are illuminated, making it more difficult for intruders to approach unnoticed. Proper lighting acts as both a deterrent and a way to enhance visibility during the night.
Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property when you are not around. Having someone familiar with your home monitor it in your absence provides an extra layer of security and ensures that any suspicious activity is noticed and reported promptly.
Use timers for radios or lights inside your home to make it appear occupied, even when you’re away. Timers can be set to activate these devices at various times, creating the illusion that someone is home and deterring potential burglars from targeting your property.
Ensure the fences surrounding your garden are in good condition and properly maintained. Well-kept fences prevent easy access to your property and create a physical barrier that makes it more difficult for intruders to enter your home unnoticed.
Secure bikes and other outdoor equipment by locking them to immoveable objects inside a locked shed or garage. This helps prevent theft and ensures that valuable items are protected from being easily accessed by potential thieves.
Keep ladders and tools stored away and not left outside where they could be used by burglars to break into your home. Securely storing these items inside prevents them from being used to gain access to your property and reduces the risk of opportunistic theft.
Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of your property, and regularly check that rear fencing is in good repair. Secure gates and well-maintained fencing provide additional security and help to protect the less visible areas of your home from potential intruders.
Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property by trimming high hedges and ensuring that the area is visible from the street. Keeping the front of your home well-maintained increases visibility and reduces hiding spots for potential burglars.
Mark your property with your postcode and house number to make it easily identifiable and register it for free with Immobilise. This helps in recovering stolen property and enhances the likelihood of items being returned if they are lost or stolen.
Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to increase community security. Neighbourhood Watch schemes foster cooperation among residents, making it easier to monitor and report suspicious activities, thus enhancing the overall safety of your area.
Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows to avoid attracting attention from potential burglars. By keeping valuable items out of sight, you reduce the temptation for thieves and make your home less likely to be targeted.
Store any high-value items, such as jewellery and passports, in a properly secured safe or bank vault. This ensures that these items are protected from theft and remain secure, even in the event of a break-in or other security breach.