registered installer

ADE Approved installer

Member of SITO

House breaking on the whole is an opportunist crime.

A housebreaker 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 unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured;

e.g.

1. Side gates open

2.Accessible windows open

3. Ladders left out allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows

4. Garden tools available to force entry

5. Untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural surveillance

Each of these make access to the building far simpler and is an indication to the prospective housebreaker that it's worth a second look.

Residents of multi occupancy dwellings or flats should be mindful not to grant access to people via an entry phone system, if they do not know them and to be cautious of people seeking to 'tailgate' them into the building.

The question is, are the occupants in?

1. Milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep

2. Newspapers and mail in the letterbox

3. Unlit house after dark

4. All windows shut in very hot weather

These are signs telling the housebreaker 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 housebreaker that the building is too difficult or risky a target, he will hopefully move on.

Are you leaving a thief the keys to your house?

1. Never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door (Housebreakers know all the hiding places)

2. Prevent letterbox housebreaking and car theft by storing keys away from the front to prevent 'fishing'

3. 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 away out of sight from windows.

Make it look as though your house is occupied.

1. Install timers which switch lights or radio on and off automatically

2. Have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your letterbox or doorstep

3. Encourage a neighbour to park in your drive

4. If you are going out after dark draw the curtains, leave some lights on and a radio playing

If you are away for extended periods

1. Cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers

2.Disconnect the telephone answering machine or reword your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer

3. Enlist the help of a relative, friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries

4. If you are prepared to leave a key with a friend or neighbour and ask them to draw the curtains and put a light on at night and open the curtains and put the lights off in the morning. If snow is on the ground a few foot prints on the ground will make the house look inhabited. Get them to drive their car in and out of the drive a couple of times to make it seem used

Check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies for contents don't cover you if you are away for more than 30 days

5. Set your intruder alarm system and if you don't have one contact us for a free quote

Remember: Remove the opportunity - Prevent the housebreaking