The following is provided courtesy of the ABI
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The feeling that someone else has been in your home can live with you for a long time. The advice in this leaflet will help stop you being the next burglary victim.
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Doors |
Outside
doors should have deadlocks which at least
conform to BS3621. These locks can only
be opened by key. A burglar cannot just
use a plastic card to push back the tongue
of the lock or break a glass panel and reach
in to open it. Doors which you usually lock
from the inside - for example the back door
- should also be fitted with bolts. But
locks and bolts are only as strong as the
door and the frame to which they are fitted.
So check the woodwork and replace it if
it is at all weak or rotten. Double doors
should have bolts (preferably security bolts
with removable keys) at the top and bottom
of both doors as well as a lock. On patio
doors, additional security locks should
be fitted to stop the slicing frame being
lifted off the tracks. The sliding leaf
of patio doors should be fitted on the inside. |
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Windows |
| Most burglaries are through
windows.Key operated locks should be fitted
to all accessible windows - those on the ground
floor and those near drainpipes and flat roofs.
These locks are inexpensive to buy and easy
to fit. |
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Keys |
| Never leave keys in a lock
- always take them with you. Never leave keys
in a "secret" hiding place - thieves
know all the hiding places. Leave a spare
key with a trusted neighbour. |
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Callers |
| Check the identity of all
callers. Before opening your door fully, ask
to see their identity card if they claim to
be officials. Don't be fooled by a uniform.
Telephone their office if in any doubt. A
door viewer or door chain will help you see
who is at the door without opening it fully. |
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Going Out |
| A burglar can be in and out
of your home in two minutes. So always shut
and lock all windows - however short a time
you are going to be away. Don't forget garages
and sheds - they contain valuable items and
tools useful to a burglar. Chain and padlock
ladders, or keep them in locked sheds or garages. |
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Holidays |
| Don't make it obvious that
you are away - cancel the milk and newspapers.
Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home,
taking in any packages and removing mail from
your letterbox. |
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Property
Marking |
List your valuable items
with serial numbers and a short description.
Take photographs or videos of items such
as jewellery and keep them with your policy.
You will have a better chance of getting
your property back after a burglary.
Mark your property with a property marking
kit. Use your postcode and the number of
your house. This will help the police to
return your property to you. Your local
Crime Prevention Officer will advise you.
Use the checklist in this leaflet and keep
it with your policy.
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Safes |
| If you own valuable property
you may prefer the added security of a safe.
Before you buy one, consult your insurance
company surveyor or Crime Prevention Officer
as to which type is best suited to your needs. |
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Alarms |
If you are considering installing
an alarm get advice from your insurers first,
before buying one. Many insurance companies
insist that the installation of alarms is
carried out by companies registered with the
National Approval Council for Security Systems
(Queensgate House, 14 Cookham Road, Maidenhead,
Berkshire, SL6 8AJ).
Most alarms only warn that someone has already
broken in. Your first priority is to stop
them getting in at all. |
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Neighbourhood
Watch |
| Get involved in a neighbourhood
watch scheme - or help to set up one. Your
local police will give you details. |
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Discounts |
| Some insurers allow a discount
from the cost of home contents insurance if
you fit specified security measures. Ask your
insurance company or insurance advisor for
details. |
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Check List |
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