Crime Prevention Advice : Securing Your Home

Introduction

Ensuring the security of your home is of paramount importance in today's world. This crime prevention advice leaflet provides a simple guide to help you secure your home and safeguard your belongings. By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of burglary and create a safer environment for your family.

1. Double Secure Your Entry Points

When leaving your home, it's not enough to simply shut the door. To deter potential burglars, always double-lock your doors. Modern multi-locking and uPVC doors are equipped with a system of hooks and latches that require lifting the handle and turning the key to activate. Remember to lift, lock, and remove the key to ensure maximum security.

2. Evaluate Your Windows

Burglars often target windows because they offer easier access. Take a close look at your windows from the outside and eliminate potential access points. Remove any objects like walls, bins, or garden furniture that could be used to reach your windows. For ground-floor windows within easy reach, consider installing glass break alarms.

3. Invest in a Burglar Alarm

A well-serviced burglar alarm system is a vital deterrent to potential intruders. Don't hesitate to display an alarm siren box outside your property. Even though these alarms are typically silent, they can notify you and the authorities through a telephone system. The mere presence of an alarm system can discourage criminals.

4. Establish an Exit Routine

Before leaving your home, establish a routine to ensure you don't forget crucial security measures. Here's a quick checklist:

- Close and lock all doors and windows, even if you'll be gone for just a few minutes.

- Double-lock your doors.

- Keep valuables out of sight.

- Avoid leaving handbags near the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys.

- Secure car documents and IDs in less obvious places.

- In the evening, close curtains and leave lights on.

- If you're out all day, use timer devices to automatically control lights and a radio.

- Set your burglar alarm.

- Lock your side gate, shed, and garage.

- Safely secure your bike.

5. Going Away?

If you're leaving your home for an extended period, follow these tips to keep it secure:

- Ensure your social media posts aren't public and limit them to friends only.

- Use timers to keep lights and a radio on to create the illusion of occupancy.

- Ask a trusted neighbor to watch over your property or consider joining a Neighborhood or Resident Watch Scheme.

- Request neighbors to close curtains after dark and park in your driveway.

- Cancel newspaper and milk deliveries.

6. Embrace Smart Home Systems

Consider upgrading to a smart home system, which offers various advantages for home security:

- Automated lighting control that can mimic your daily routines.

- Integration with voice-activated devices like Alexa and Google Home.

- Smart locks that enable remote access control for visitors.

- Alarm systems that work in tandem with other smart devices.

- CCTV to capture any suspicious activities in and around your property.

- Smart doorbells that provide live video feeds and two-way audio for added convenience and security.

Conclusion

Protecting your home and loved ones from potential threats is a shared responsibility. By following the advice provided in this crime prevention leaflet, you can significantly enhance the security of your home. With modern technology and vigilant practices, you can create a safer, more secure living environment and deter would-be intruders. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to home security. Stay safe!