Often we are asked questions from people concerned about burglaries in their area.
Risk is always a consideration and we discuss the potential of where a burglar may enter a property.
We had a question from Jagz Kaur owner and director of Design by Jagz.
QUESTION:
Hello there. I’ve been following your company and the great things that you do for people. I just wanted to ask is there a most common place / area of someone’s home that becomes most prone to attack? Regardless of whether you have a security system or not?
ANSWER:
First of all thank you for your kind words, we just wished that we could do more for people to prevent burglary instead of dealing with the aftermath.
Generally we see that burglars breaking into peoples properties at the rear or side of the property especially if the front door is not easily opened. But here’s the facts in order… You may be surprised?
1. Front door
It may be hard to believe that a burglar would have the nerve to enter your home by simply walking through the front door but this is often the case. Unlocked doors make an easy target but even locked doors present little problem; professional burglars know all the common hiding places for spare keys whether it be under the doormat, flowerpot or garden ornament. A lot of the time burglars don’t even bother using a key; they have tools capable of bypassing locks or they will simply kick down a door or smash a glass panel in order to gain entry. Or even easier the door is left open and they just open the door with the handle.
Take a few precautions:
– Lock the door even if you are in the house.
– Install a deadbolt lock – they provide extra protection.
– Fit a sturdy entry door rather than an inferior quality, cheaper one.
– Use a deadbolt and/or door chain at night.
– Fit motion sensor lights to illuminate the house at the front door
– Have a professional intruder alarm installed
– Have a professional CCTV system installed
2. Back Doors or Patio Doors
The second most common entry point is the back door and is usually preferable for the burglar, generally being away from prying eyes. A back door is also more likely to be left unlocked when the owner is home. Sliding doors are particularly vulnerable because the glass can easily be smashed and locks can sometimes be easily bypassed.
Some sliding doors can actually be opened by being lifted off of their track even when locked.
So how can we improve security at back and patio doors?
– Make sure you always lock doors.
– Install strong, good quality locks.
– Place a dowel in the tracks of sliding doors to stop them opening.
– Fit a bolt to sliding doors to prevent them being lifted off their tracks easily.
– Fit motion sensor lights.
– Have a professional intruder alarm installed
– Have a professional CCTV system installed
3. Windows
Windows are often the most fragile entry point in most homes. Unfortunately, the sound of breaking glass rarely catches the attention of passers-by or neighbours. Many people ignore any sound if it only occurs once. However, a burglar doesn’t necessarily have to break a window to gain access, with many often not having decent locks or actually being latched at all.
Do you need to improve your windows?
– Fit good quality window locks and use them.
– Keep large shrubbery trimmed back. Try to avoid providing hiding places for the potential thief.
– Fit motion sensor lights.
– Have a professional intruder alarm installed
– Have a professional CCTV system installed
4. Gates
Gates are usually fairly easy to climb over but again many people leave them unlocked or even propped open. They can also provide cover for the would-be intruder once they have gained access to the rear of the property.
– Never leave rubbish bins or other helpful items near the gate to help the burglar on his way over.
– Fit quality bolts and padlocks to gates and keep them locked. It may not be particularly convenient for you on a daily basis but certainly not as inconvenient as a burglary would be.
– Again security lights.
– Have a professional intruder alarm installed. This can include perimeter driveway sensors.
– Have a professional CCTV system installed
5. Garage Doors
Garages which are attached to your house are a prime target for burglars to gain entry to your home. This is because many people think that once their garage door is locked there is no need to lock the door from the garage into the house. However, garage doors are often fairly easy to break and once the burglar is inside they have free access to the entire house and the added advantage of concealment from prying eyes. Garages also often contain some prime goods such as cars, power tools, expensive sports equipment etc.
Protect your garage doors:
– Lock both the garage door and any internal doors.
– Make sure that the locks are of the best quality possible.
– Ideally, the garage door should be made from a strong material such as metal or hardwood.
– Never leave your garage door wide open for long periods of time, even when you are working close by. A potential thief doesn’t need a good long view of any valuable goods if they are casing the property.
– Taking a few precautionary measures will always be the best way to protect your home from invasion. Security lights, burglar alarms, CCTV and good quality locks are all ways to improve your chances of avoiding any potential risk. Prevention is always better than suffering the trauma of arriving home to find your home in disarray and your precious goods long gone.
For more information on improving security at your home contact our team
