There is a common misconception about burglars – that they are opportunists.
Wrong! The majority are career criminals, looking for easy opportunities.
So how do they get in your home?
In a lot of cases they walk up to your house and try the door. If it’s unlocked, they will be in, steal a handbag and your car keys - then off with your belongings and your car! Or they target an open window –especially if you are out.
In One in Three Burglaries in the Cleveland area – entry is gained via an open or unlocked door or window!
How do they break in?
Burglars are thieves who want to be in and out in the quickest time and steal the most valuable items which they can re-sell.
Research shows that the average burglar will spend 2 minutes attempting entry then approximately 5 minutes inside the property.
They will often seek out targets before hand - checking on access, alarm systems, external lights and if anyone is at home.
In most forced entry burglaries – entry will be gained at the rear of the property. The burglar will attack the weakest point usually the patio/French doors or the kitchen window.
He may bring a tool to use (jemmy or screwdriver) or he may use tools you have left lying around.
He will usually target a house that is unoccupied - to reduce the risk of being caught.
Having gained access and if he is working on his own, he will seek out the most valuable items which are easily transported – cash, gold jewellery, iPods, laptops etc.
If he has an accomplice to help carry and transport larger items, he will take flat screen TVs, video game consoles, computers.
Lastly if you’ve left your keys lying around, he may also load your valuables into your car – then steal your car as well!
So, how can we prevent this happening?
We must look to stop, frustrate, deter and prevent him whilst increasing the chance of him being seen, heard, observed, frightened off, caught and arrested.
Look at how the burglar works, then think what you can do to stop him?
- When you leave your home, shut and lock all doors and windows.
- Protect the rear of your home - fit a padlock to your side gate, heighten your rear fence or use defensive planting to protect the rear of your property.
- Fit an external light ( dusk till dawn style) – burglars don’t like light.
- Use Light timers to come on when you’re out – make your home look occupied.
- Fit and use a good quality house alarm from an approved installer
( NSI / NACOSS Registered Company).
Make sure your alarm covers the most vulnerable points (rear patio doors / window) with contact points or impact sensors. These will set your house alarm off when he first attempts entry - PIR movement sensors will only work when he is in your home!
Try and get into good security habits in your home.
- Keep car keys in a safe place.
- Think about a small safe for your precious jewellery and ID documents.
- Postcode all your property.
All these measures will reduce the chance of being a victim of burglary - and increase the chance of the burglar being seen and caught!
