Burglars can strike at any time, the most common times are from around 10 am – 2 pm (Monday – Friday) or 1 am – 4 am, standard House Burglaries are just as likely (if not more) to be targeted between the 10 am & 2 pm slot during the week (if they think the occupant’s are at work).
Knowing what access Burglars often use to Break into your Home helps you to make it a lot Harder for Them – Act Now !!
Feeling that our Family, Home & Belongings are Secure may be something we rarely think about, normally until it is too late.
When we leave our homes, we mostly (not always) remember to lock the front door (as we are often late rushing out to work or an appointment) whilst often forgetting that we have left a window open, a garage or back doors unlocked, the rear or side Gate open.
On a wider note we may have been so busy recently that we have let the Hedges or Trees at the front or back of the House grow to big, left the rear or side unlocked, or even worse jammed Open (inviting potential Burglars in).
Knowing what Areas may be used by Burglars can help concentrate your Mind, Time & Budget in putting some basic Crime Prevention into place.
Front Door:
It is not unusual for Burglars to walk in through a Front Door (often unlocked), there first trick is to ring the Bell, if there is an answer then they will simply give the person answering some verbal baloney about being at the wrong house or trying to sell them something.
Be aware that Burglars don’t all wear black hats and balaclavas, they are just as likely to be dressed up as a Salesperson.
If there is no answer they will try the the Door (hoping it is unlocked), if locked they may have a look around for a hidden Key (under a plant pot, stone etc), they may also be tempted to try to pick or force the lock (especially if the Door is not overlooked) such as in a Remote location, overgrown hedge or tree covering the view from all neighbours.
If they now believe the House is empty (because the door wasn’t answered) but the Front Door is Secure, they may then be tempted to have a look at ground floor windows, have any been left partially open or do any of them look in poor condition making it highly possible they could be forced open, especially if one of these windows is not overlooked (for the same reasons as mentioned previously).
Make it hard for them to walk around the side or rear of the house to look at these windows, where possible always lock the windows.
Having Alarm sensors on the windows (magnetic contacts or vibration sensors) which can trigger an Alarm if and when they try to force the window can be a great deterrent, or placing a visible Sensor (PIR) or Camera inside the room will often deter the Burglar.
Back Door:
Back Doors are one of the Burglars favourites, often not easily overlooked giving them plenty of time to work on them (picking the lock or pure force).
Get in the habit of checking this door before leaving home, add additional security that works from the inside (some really cheap and easy devices are readily available) if you do not use this door as your main access door.
Some recommendations are listed below:
- Fit a Wireless Driveway Alarm with one or more Sensors covering the back door and approach, these can be supplied with Indoor Receivers (that can be located within hearing range of the back door) or External Receivers (that can trigger Sirens, Buzzers & Lights).
- Fit a Security Camera (there are wi-fi models that will not only record but will also contact you via your Mobile Phone).
- If budgets are tight, fit a good quality Dummy Camera.
- Fit a Floodlight above the Door that also has a hidden Camera and built in Chime or Siren.
Garage & Sheds:
These are very common targets, basically they are normally easier targets for the Burglar with very little risk of getting caught (working on the risk and reward mindset of a Burglar which can be viewed here).
You can find advice about Shed & Garage Security devices within these links.
The same standard advice for the House is just as relevant for the Garage & Sheds, keep Doors & Windows locked, keep Bushes & Trees trimmed, use Outside & Inside Alarms & CCTV Cameras.
- Make sure bushes are trimmed back so that there are fewer places for criminals to hide.
- Cut off any tree limbs that are near or next to second-floor windows, because burglars are often unafraid to climb up trees and use their branches to enter your house.
- Use Security Lighting in appropriate locations.
- Service your Alarm & Camera systems (and use them).
- Fit affordable Warning Signs around the property (and keep them clean).
- Keep Door & Windows Locked.
- Refrain from telling the world through Social Media you and your Family are on Holiday.
- Don’t be afraid to keep TV or Radios on low top make it look like you are at home (low cost devices can be purchased to do this).
- Be alerted if strange people start knocking on the door, remember burglars very rarely walk around with a mask and striped outfit, don’t tell them anything and don’t let them inside or even into your garden.
- Keep in mind the access Burglars would potentially use to Break In as you are making changes to your Home or Garden.
There are many Companies that supply DIY Security Products & Free Advice, Contact Ultra Secure Direct to Discuss !!