Burglary in your own home is an upsetting experience that can affect you and your family long after the clear up and the insurance paperwork is complete.
Don’t let a burglar in.
Kent Police is working with Surrey, Sussex and Thames Valley Police reminding residents how they can help protect themselves from becoming a victim.
The majority of burglars are opportunistic; they will look for properties where they think they can enter unobserved and ‘work’ undisturbed.
While you’re at work… so are they.
From experience we know that most burglaries happen during daylight hours so while you’re at work, so are they. Offences peak after 11am so it’s important to make sure the measures taken at night are also taken before you leave home in the morning.
Three simple actions can help deter these types of criminals… Light it, Lock it, List it.
Light it
Make your house look occupied – even when it isn’t.
Use an automatic timer switch to turn interior lights and a radio on and off
Light dark or hidden entrances using low wattage timed security lighting
Lock it
Double-lock uPVC doors and close windows.
Keep side gates locked – burglars often break into homes from the garden where they have less chance of being seen.
If bins are emptied before you leave for work return them to your garden – they can be used as climbing aids if left on display.
Instead use bins in side entrances as obstructions.
Trim high hedging/plant growth – they could provide cover for a burglar.
Secure your shed – tools that are easily accessible can be used to break in to your home.
If you get the train or bus ensure your car is locked, windows are closed and keys are not left on display through windows.
List it
All valuables items should be registered for free on www.immobilise.com – logging details helps us return them to you if we find or seize them. These include:
Expensive jewellery and antiques
Bicycles
Laptop, desktop computers and tablets
Mobile phones and MP3 players
Home entertainment systems including TVs and games consoles