House burglaries are not as common as you might think – but don't get complacent

Let’s look at the figures.

For the period of October 2016 to September 2017, a breakdown in crime from Hampshire Constabulary showed 10,789 incidents of burglary. The figure from Surrey Police for the same period was 6181. Thames Valley Police recorded 13,725 burglaries.

However, it’s important not to get complacent. Police UK reports the following:

Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures.
Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference.

Secure your doors

According to Police UK, in most cases, burglars break into a house or flat through the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. Their advice is to ensure your doors are sturdy and secure and to consult a locksmith if you want to fit a bar for extra strength.

Doors with glass panels can be vulnerable, so if you have one, fit it with laminated glass as it’s stronger. You could also purchase a film to cover the glass, which will make it harder to break.

When you’re away

If you’re going to be away for any length of time, Police UK recommends you make your home look like someone is living in it.

You can do this by using automatic timer-switches to turn lights and radios on when it goes dark. Also, make sure newspaper or milk deliveries are cancelled and ask neighbours to keep an eye on your house and perhaps park their car on your driveway.

Take preventative measures

The following are just a few simple steps the police advise you to take to keep your property secure:

Lock doors and windows every time you leave the house
Double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key)
Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox
Install a visual burglar alarm
Install outside lighting
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition
Don't leave ladders and tools outside where they could be used to break into your home
Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of your property
Join a neighbourhood watch scheme

Don’t become a crime statistic

The best way to keep your home safe from burglary is to upgrade your door and window locks. The range and quality of locks available today are impressive – with something to suit every type of property.

If you’re thinking of upgrading, then it may be worth taking a look at the latest smart home security and automating your locks along with other security devices such as lighting and cameras.

You can read more about that here: Smart Home Security - Home Automation to Keep Your Property Protected

Would you like expert advice on how to secure your property?

If you’d like to find out how the latest home security products can improve the security of your home, contact Stuart at Rocks Locks. Stuart will conduct a FREE home security survey and provide advice on the best security solutions to meet your needs and budget.

Call Stuart on 07900 335525 or visit www.rocks-locks.co.uk