| Crime and home burglaries in the UK
Although recent UK crime statistics show that the rate of domestic burglary has dropped by 59% between the period of 1995 and 2007, the majority of people still fear the thought of being the victims of a burglary.
Households with no security devices and equipment installed such as burglar alarms are 22.5% more at risk of being targeted by burglars. Other types of households at risk of crime and burglary include student residences or homes occupied by other young people between the ages of 16-24 as well as homes occupied by the unemployed and single parent families.
Advice for preventing burglaries and staying safe at home
If you have not already got one, install a burglar alarm, ideally attached to a monitoring service. If a burglar catches sight of a security alarm, he or she is less likely to prey on your house.
If possible, set up or join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. It is well-known that areas with neighbourhood watch schemes are safer than others. Neighbourhood Watch schemes deter burglars and reduce your home insurance premiums.
Regardless of whether your home is occupied or not, always keep your side gates or back gates shut and ideally locked.
Do not leave items such as ladders and garden tools easily accessible for burglars to use to break into your home.
Remember to keep outbuildings such as garages and sheds securely locked as well particularly if you have valuables such as bicycles and other expensive equipment stored inside.
If your windows are easily accessible, it is vital to shut them when you are not at home. Remember to install window locks if appropriate to secure your home.
If you live in a block or flats, be careful not to allow non-occupants to enter the main building. Some burglars try to gain access to flats by using the entry phone and claiming to be relatives or pretending to be making deliveries. Be wary of strangers who tailgate.
If you are on holiday or away for an extended period of time, remember to set your burglar alarm. Do not leave signs that your home is empty. For example, cancel milk or newspaper deliveries and if possible, leave a light or the radio on.
Ask a friend or neighbour to check your property daily and collect your post.
Never leave your house key hidden in places you think is safe such as under a flower pot or brick. Burglars are usually aware of these tricks.
Do not leave your house or car keys lying too close to your front door as burglars can find ways to get hold of them, for example, using a magnet attached to a long stick through the letterbox.
Always keep valuables such as televisions, computers and jewellery, out of sight from prying eyes, away from windows.
Who to contact?
Speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer for more tips on preventing burglaries and keeping your home and belongings safe. Your Crime Prevention Officer will also have relevant leaflets and other kinds of useful information including emergency telephone numbers which you can call in the event of a burglary or other crime.
Always make sure your home is properly insured against burglary. Update your home insurance policy accurately.
In the event of a home burglary, contact your local police station immediately. Your local yellow pages will have telephone number available. You should keep this within easy reach. Prioritise your personal safety and make sure the burglars have left before you raise the alarm. |
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