§   Moving home, one thing we have found is the last thing new owners think off is, have they got all the keys for their new home, or are the locks up to standard. Many people leave keys with neighbours or any tenants they may have had, which were not returned.

 

§ Never open the door to unknown visitors. Fit a door viewer (peep / spy hole) or a door chain and take a look at who is at your door before opening it. Ask for identification, all company personnel should have one, if still unsure ring the number on the card. (Most now make appointments).

 

§ Don`t leave keys on tables/ shelves or hooks near the door, burglars have been known to use a pole and hook to fish the keys through the letter box, and then either gain entry or take your vehicle. (Fit a letter box shield as shown in picture).

 

§ Remove keys from view and keep them in a safe place, and also, do not keep all the keys including spares on the same key ring.

 

§ Don't leave your name and address on any key tags. If you lose your keys away from the home they could fall into the wrong hands.

§ Have window locks fitted. Keep your windows locked, especially those on the ground floor or easily accessible due to flat roofs and drain pipes, for example.

 

§ Insurance companies recommend fitting 5 lever deadlocks to all external doors. You should have or upgrade locks to British Standard BS 3621:2004.

§ Sheds and outbuildings are very vulnerable to theft and as a result you should have a substantial lock or padlock in place. All valuables should be kept locked up inside sheds and outbuildings and remember never to leave expensive garden equipment outside. Use a chain and padlock to secure ladders and other equipment that may be used to break in to your property. Tip, keep note of any serial numbers/ pictures of the tools you have, even better mark it with your postcode.(www.immobilise.com) Shed alarms are also available.

 

§ Gravel or pebbles on driveways warn you when someone is approaching your house. Burglars know this and it therefore acts as a deterrent as they are noisy obstacle for burglars attempting to gain entry.

 

§ Preferably install an alarm system or at least fit an external dummy alarm box in a prominent position on the outside of the house.

 

§ Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and display the

      Neighbourhood Watch and CCTV in operation stickers, even

 better you can get dummy cameras you could put up.     

 

 

 

§ Property marking can act as a good deterrent as the markings make it difficult for a burglar to sell on your goods.

 

§ Time light switches with motion detection act as a good deterrent to burglars, as there is nowhere for a burglar to hide.

 

§ Use a timer switch to have a radio come on and off to give the impression there is someone home.

 

§ Cut back hedges and trees near to your house to make it difficult for burglars to conceal themselves.

 

§ Use timer switchers to switch lights on and off at suitable times of the day and night.

       

      § Do not leave curtains drawn during the day.  

 

       § Cancel your milk and papers.

 

And finally, ask a neighbour to keep a watch on your property, while you are away.