Home Security
Is your home secure? Remember that thieves are never on holiday so it is very important that your home is burglar proof. You can reduce the temptation to thieves by giving signs that they should not bother with your home.
If is advisable to:
- Have locks on all windows and external doors (preferably key operated).
- Engrave valuables with drivers licence number (e.g. video, television).
- Notice if there are any shadowy areas or blind spots where an intruder may be able to access the property unseen and think about the potential for illuminating these spots.
- Ensure all ladders and tools are well secured and not easy for burglars to access.
- Cut tree branches that may allow easy access to the roof or windows.
- Signs with your name should be avoided as they give a thief an edge – they can easily call to see if you are home.
- Create a home inventory and have it stored off site.
- Invest in an alarm system, they are a great deterrent.
If you are going away:
- If you have good neighbours who are regularly home, advise them that you will be away and to keep an eye out for you.
- Advise the police and your emergency contact person of your contact details.
- Lock away all tools and items lying around the garden that are easily taken or could be used to break in.
- Cancel deliveries.
- Disconnect power supply to garage doors – Lock valuables in a safe or bank safety deposit box – Turn down the ring volume on the phone.
- Arrange for the lawns to be cut and the mail to be collected or redirected.
- Put a no advertising material sticker on your post box.
- Advise monitoring centre of alternative key holder in case the alarm goes off.
- Set lights to come on at dusk and off at dawn.