What is the basic security advice to reduce a risk of burglary?
A response by Jon Caldwell, Security Consultant, at Caldwell Security.
More Blogs available at https://caldwellsecurity.co.uk/blog.
There are a number of No-cost, or Low-cost, security mitigations that can be undertaken, which will reduce the risk of being burgled. But it should be noted that it is not possible to totally eliminate a determined Burglar from breaking into your Home, or Commercial Premises, without you investing substantial sums of money on High-Tec security measures.
It is important to firstly evaluate the cost of losing your valuables in a Burglary, which is not only the financial implications, but also the potential emotional impact, especially if it includes any sentimental items, which are irreplaceable, that have been stolen.
Should you have real concerns, at the impact of being burgled, you may wish to consider booking a Crime Prevention Security Survey, from Caldwell Security. Its Security Consultant, Jon Caldwell, will be able to visit your premises, and conduct a structured, and professional, risk assessment, and then provide you with his recommendations for preventing a burglary. Any security measure he recommends will be proportionate in cost, to the level of risk identified, the value of assets to be protected, and any existing security measures that have already been installed.
The first piece of basic security advice is to make sure your premises look clean, tidy, and well looked after, so when an opportunist Burglar is viewing the potential to burgle your property, they will potentially think twice, and look for an easier target.
Secondly make sure your doors and windows have good quality, British Standard approved, locks on all entry points. Always lock doors and windows whenever the property is unoccupied, but also if you are working upstairs, or out in the garden, because a Burglar only needs seconds to try the door, or enter through an open window, and quickly take any cash, jewellery, or other valuables, and leave before being noticed.
Never leave any keys in the door, or window locks, before leaving your premises, or when going to bed, because a Burglar will see the opportunity of breaking a small window, making less noise and mess, to reach nearby keys, and then let themselves in safely, and have an easier escape route.
Always keep your valuables, especially laptops, cash, jewellery, or car keys, out of view from any windows that the Burglar could look through. You need to reduce the desirability for the Burglar in gaining a reward for the risk, and create uncertainty on what they might gain from breaking in.
Consider purchasing, one or two, Low-cost Timer Plugs, which can be connected to a table lamp, set to come on at dusk, and switch off at bedtime, one downstairs, and one upstairs, to give the appearance someone is at home, especially if you go away on holiday.
It is possible to fit low-cost solar lights to the front approach to your premises, and also any vulnerable areas at the side, or rear of the premises. These will activate once it starts to get dark, and will switch on whenever someone approaches, which will deter any potential Burglar. Solar lights do not require any batteries, or maintenance, and are very simple to install, and can be purchased from a wide range of Suppliers, including on-line.
Also consider purchasing a safe, to keep any cash, or jewellery, in a safe place, such as the attic or loft, or at least somewhere upstairs. A Burglar would need to risk going upstairs to search, with the possibility of the Police arriving, with perhaps a Police Dog, and the associated risks to the Burglar.
Make the front of your premises visible from the road, or pathway, by removing any high growing hedges, bushes, or trees, and lowering any high fences. This will remove any opportunity for a Burglar to hide whilst trying to break into your Front Door or windows.
Make it difficult to get to the rear of your premises by fitting a Rear Gate, and fit a strong padlock and bolts, and keep it locked when the property is unoccupied. Consider installing higher fencing, with a trellis top, thorny plants, or an anti-climb topping, to deter anyone from trying to climb over.
Consider Property Marking any suitable valuable items. Make a note of any serial numbers, and take a few photographs from different angles, and especially photograph any distinguishing features that will help identify the item should it be stolen.
You may wish to consider booking a Consultation with Caldwell Security, who can arrange a bespoke low-cost Crime Prevention Security Survey, and give professional advice, on what proportionate security measures would be the most appropriate for you. Learn more by clicking HERE
Caldwell Security Consultants will provide, no obligation, security mitigation recommendations, but they do not provide installation, or supply, of any security products.