01/03/2010
SAS Looks Forward As Clocks Change
The home security expert has alerted homeowners on the dangers of not securing their home properly during the lighter nights.
Latest figures from the Home Office Statistical Bulletin show that in two of out ten burglaries, thieves don’t even have to use force, they get in through an open door or window.
The report also found that 280,763 house break-ins were recorded over a period of one year – one every two minutes.
Steve Wilson, commercial director of SAS Fire and Security, said: “The figures from the Home Office show that people need to think about what home security measures they have in place.
“Homeowners have to be aware of the threat and protect themselves from the opportunist thief. However by following these top ten simple steps, home owners can look at their own property objectively and improve security significantly.”
SAS has identified a selection of risk situations along with top tips to deter burglars, to help ensure peoples’ properties do not fall prey to burglars:
1. Ensure doors and windows are closed and locked when not in the property – this includes when you’re in the garden.
2. Trees, bushes or hedges, particularly at the front, are providing cover from the outside world. Either remove or prune all trees, hedges and shrubbery to no more than 1 metre high. This will allow for natural surveillance from neighbours opposite and passers by. Also, maintain back and front gardens so that landscaping provides maximum visibility to and from your home. Tree limbs should also be trimmed to prevent thieves from climbing into windows.
3. Access to the property. Fit a gate to the boundary fence/wall, top with trellis to take it up to at least 2.4 metres in height. Trellis can be intertwined with some form of hostile planting at vulnerable spots.
4. If going on holiday ensure deliveries are cancelled, papers or milk on the doorstop is a give-away to burglars. Get a neighbour to push the mail through the letterbox and preferably out of sight.
5. Don’t leave keys under doormats or above doorways, as this makes it easier for burglars to get into your home, and ensure ladders have been put away and secured properly.
6. Keep valuables out of site. Don’t leave valuables in sight through windows where potential burglars can see them. If you must leave items such as computers in view, invest in net curtains or blinds to obscure the view from outside.
7. No neighbourhood watch sticker on the window or signs displayed locally. Join your local neighbourhood watch and look out for each other. Contact your local crime prevention officer in your local police station who can point you in the right direction.
8. Install peepholes so you can first identify visitors before opening the front door, as safety chains can be broken. In addition, ask for identification from all service representatives, especially if you’re not expecting them.
9. No intruder alarm system. Invest in a monitored home security system as statistics show that these are an effective deterrent against crime.
10. Your home looks deserted when you leave on business or go on holiday. Burglars target homes which appear empty, so the easiest way to thwart them is to make your home appear busy and lived-in. Use timers to turn on and off lights, televisions and sound systems, never leave an answering machine message indicating you’re not home and leave a car on the drive, if possible. If not, ask a neighbour to leave their car in the driveway. Leave the radio tuned to a speaking channel, such as Radio 4, as it gives the impression that someone’s home. Finally ask a neighbour to open and close blinds, be prepared to return the favour.
[Ends]
Notes to Editors:
Issued by Beattie Communications, www.beattiegroup.com, on behalf of SAS Fire and Security
For further information please contact:
Neil McDonald 01698 787855 / 07725 466737
neil.mcdonald@beattiegroup.com
Chris McGhee 01698 787844
chris.mcghee@beattiegroup.com
