How to keep your home safe

Thursday, 23, Aug 2007 05:24

For many of us our home and its contents is our biggest asset but does everyone take enough precautions to ensure our home and contents remain safe from the risk of crime.

Crime-reduction and security measures could save a lot of expense, hassle and stress. As television programmes and magazine sales prove, we invest a great deal of time, money and love into our homes, and having them fall victim to burglary can be a traumatic experience.

The following measures should be considered when helping to protect your home and its contents from crime.

Most burglary is opportunist, so a home that looks empty will be more tempting to a passing thief than one that's full of life. Go down to your local DIY store and buy an inexpensive timer that will switch your lights on and off while you're out. It's also worth leaving an electrical appliance on such as the radio on, this can also be used on a timer. Close curtains and blinds when you're out so that thieves have no way of confirming whether you are out enjoying yourself or at home.

Invest in good locks for doors and windows, and use them. Leaving even the smallest window ajar when you go out can be an invitation to thieves. If you're working in the garden and the windows are open to cool the house an opportunist thief can be in and out in moments so always close any windows that you can't see.

Having a Dog can be a useful addition to the home and the fear factor can be a large deterrent to would-be burglars. If you're out at work all day or can't stand the thought of a German Shepherd on your shag-pile then maybe dog ownership isn't for you, but there's nothing to stop you buying 'beware-of-the dog' signs for your gates and putting a dog's water bowl by the back door for a double-bluff.

Never leave door keys, front or back, in the lock or in a key rack. If a burglar has not had to force their way into a house then your possessions may no longer be covered on your contents insurance policy. An opportunistic thief will put his hand through a letter box, or his whole arm through a cat flap, fishing for keys. Even if they don't let themselves into the house, they may take your car and enjoy a ride home at your expense. At night, leave keys out of sight of prying eyes but handy in case you need to open doors quickly in an emergency such as a fire. Also remember to take handbags and wallets up to the bedroom with you.

The law discourages the use of force to protect your property, so rigging a razor-wire death trap isn't an option. However consider planting thorny shrubs around your boundaries. Holly, roses, berberis and teasels are all plants that will stick up for you.

A British Crime Survey in 2000 showed that ownership of security devices increased substantially between 1992 and 2000. In 2000, 50% of all households had security lights and 26% had burglar alarms. This suggests that security devices are very effective against burglary. What's more, a NACOSS approved alarm may entitle you to a discount on your home insurance! As a final thought don't give thieves the opportunity to get in by unconventional methods. Lock away ladders and tools so that they can't be used against you.