Top Tips for Burglar Proofing Your Home

As the economic crisis deepens in towns and cities all over the world, the crime rate goes up. In any society of the haves and have nots there will always be those who think that if there is no way for them to earn a proper living wage, they will take from those who do. If you want to avoid the emotional upset and expense of having your home burgled, then perhaps some top tips for burglar proofing your home, might be what you need.

Photo: takomabibelot
Tip 1. Neighbourhood Watch Schemes
 One of the things that help to deter burglars, particularly those opportunistic thieves, is an area where there are neighbourhood watch stickers in many of the windows. Watchful neighbours indicate a caring community where people who are at home during the day will keep a watch on empty homes close to them. In areas where a neighbourhood watch scheme is in place, figures suggest that criminal activity drops.
Tip 2. Don’t Let the Thieves Know Your House is Empty
Countless people have had their family holiday ruined when they return to find that their house has been burgled and valuable and sentimental items have been stolen. If you are on good terms with your neighbours get them to keep a watch on your home while you are away – some of them will even collect your post for you. Stop all regular deliveries of newspapers and milk as this screams to the thief that nobody is at home. Keep blinds and curtains as normal while you are away and leave a light on in the back of the house.
Tip 3. Spare Keys
It’s a good to leave a set of spare keys with your neighbour if you are on friendly terms. If your neighbour is at home during the day and can take in parcels. When someone is going in and out of the house during the day it does deter burglars. What you should never do is leave keys under a stone or under the door mat as these are the first places that burglars will look. Solid oak doors are far more of a challenge to the burglar than exterior doors with glass panels.

Photo: Richard-G
Tip 4.  Keep an Eye on the Rubbish
 Just as burglars regard piles of mail and uncollected newspapers and milk as evidence of an empty house so rubbish that has not been swept up or cleaned from the front path. Make sure that the front of the house looks clean and tidy as unkempt entrances attract burglars.
Tip 5.  Ring the Bells
An increasing number of households, particularly in neighbourhood watch areas, now have alarm systems installed.  Just the sight of an alarm system is often enough to put off opportune thieves. It’s a good idea to ensure that your windows are properly locked and alarmed. Check the outside of your house from a stranger’s point of view if you have exterior doors with glass panels you might want to consider investing in solid oak doors as these are not attractive to the burglar.

This post was written by Crispin Jones on behalf of UK Oak Doors who are suppliers of interior and exterior doors including solid oak doors. Crispin writes on subjects relating to the home.