Burglary Prevention
Burglary victims often wonder why the burglar picked
on their house. To find out you need to consider:
"How does a burglar's
mind work?"
Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A
burglar will select his target because it offers him
the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected
and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way.
A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure
is far more likely to be targeted than one which is
properly secured:
- side gates open
- accessible windows open
- ladders left out, allowing access to otherwise
inaccessible windows
- garden tools available to force entry
- untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural
surveillance
Each of these makes access to the building far simpler
and is an indication to the prospective burglar that
it's worth a second look.
The question is, are
the occupants in?
- milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep
- newspapers and mail in the letter box
- unlit houses after dark
- all windows shut in very hot weather
These are signs telling the burglar that he is unlikely
to be disturbed in the course of his work. Naturally,
circumstances may arise when such situations may be
unavoidable. If we can take measures that tell the burglar
that this building is too difficult or too risky a target,
he will hopefully move on.
Are you leaving a thief
the key to your house?
- never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near
the front door - burglars know all the hiding places
- prevent letterbox burglaries by storing keys away
from the front door
- do not label your house keys in case you lose them
and they fall into the wrong hands.
Remove temptation, where possible, try to keep valuables
out of sight from windows.
Make it look as though
your house is occupied
- install timers which switch lights or radios on
and off automatically
- have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your
letter box or doorstep
- encourage a neighbour to park on your drive
- if going out after dark, draw the curtains, leave
some lights on and a radio playing.
If you are away for extended
periods.
- cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers
- disconnect the telephone answering machine, or
re-word your greeting message to give the impression
that you are only temporarily unable to answer.
- enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative
to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the
front door clear of deliveries.
- if you are prepared to leave a key with a willing
neighbour/relative, ask for curtains to be drawn and
lights to be put on at night. If snow is on the ground
a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited.
- check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies
for contents don't cover you if you are away for more
than 30 days.
- set your burglar alarm.
Remember: Remove the
Opportunity - Prevent the Burglary
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