Returning home to find you’ve been burgled can be an extremely upsetting and traumatic experience. Not only is there the financial loss, but often the emotional toll of feeling violated and insecure in your own home. While burglaries may feel random, there are steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk. Here are five effective ways to help protect your home from burglars.
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1. Install a Burglar Alarm
Having a good quality burglar alarm installed is one of the best deterrents against break-ins. The sight and sound of an alarm going off is likely to scare off intruders and alert neighbours that something is wrong. Look for a system that includes features like motion sensors, door/window sensors, and obviously an alert sound. Systems that allow remote access via smartphone are also useful for monitoring your home while you’re out. Lucid Alarms design custom alarm systems for residential properties and you can choose between audible only, smart alarm and police response systems.
2. Improve Outdoor Lighting
Good lighting around the exterior of your home removes places for burglars to hide and acts as a deterrent. Install motion sensor security lights by all doors and in dark corners. Leave some interior lights on timers when you’re away to make it appear like someone is home. Trimming back trees and bushes is also helpful to remove hiding spots. Just be sure not to leave ladders or tools outside that could assist break-ins.
3. Strengthen Doors and Windows
Many burglars gain access by forcing open doors or smashing glass windows. Upgrade to solid wood or steel doors where possible, and fit strong deadbolts and door chains. For windows, install locks and consider smash-resistant glass. You can also add window grills or trellises to make them harder to access. Limit the number of side gates and ensure they are locked with sturdy padlocks.
4. Invest in a CCTV System
Installing CCTV cameras that record activity at entry points is great for both deterrence and evidence gathering. Position cameras covering driveways, front doors, side gates and back gardens. Look for high resolution models with night vision and motion detection alerts. Ensure footage is stored securely online or on an external hard drive. Be sure to position your cameras appropriately in compliance with privacy laws.
5. Practice Good Home Security Habits
There are simple day-to-day measures that help prevent burglaries. Keep doors and windows locked when you are at home, as well as when you go out. Avoid having parcels left on show or advertising new purchases on social media. Use timers on lights, radios and TVs when away to imply occupancy. Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed. And always report any suspicious activity around your home to the police.
Implementing some of these tips can significantly reduce your risks. But ultimately the best protection comes from making your home an unattractive target compared to others. The more effort required for a burglar to gain entry, the more likely they are to move on.
