Remove
the Opportunity - Prevent the Burglary
REMEMBER - Most burglars will select their target because it offers
them the best and easiest opportunity to carry out crime undiscovered
and undetected.
If you have gates around the outside of your house, 'LOCK THEM',
it will again reduce opportunist access.
If you have ladders - ensure they are locked and not available to
a thief. They will allow easy access to upstairs windows.
Any garden tools and implements, which are left in the garden or
yard, can be used to help them to force entry.
Untrimmed hedges or high fences in gardens can provide cover for
criminals and prevent neighbours from keeping watch.
Thieves may also take opportunity from those visible signs that
nobody is at home. For example;-
Milk bottles or parcels left on the doorstep
Newspapers and mail protruding through the letter box or visible
through glazed front doors
Unlit houses after dark and closed curtains during the day
All windows shut in very hot weather.
Make it look as though your house is occupied and don't advertise
your absence.
Install automatic switches, use timers which switch lamps or radios
on and off, sound is also often a good deterrent.
Keep the garden tidy.
If you go away on holiday or for periods of time, encourage a neighbour
to park on your drive, or directly outside your house.
Ensure that you cancel all regular deliveries, but don't announce
your departure to a shop-full of people.
Don't discuss your holiday plans or lengthy periods away from home
within earshot of strangers.
When you travel, don't have your home address showing on your luggage
for the outward journey.
If you are using a taxi service to the airport, arrange for your
pickup to be away from your own home address.
Consider arranging for a trustworthy house-sitter, who can open
and close curtains and blinds, ensuring no visible signs of absence
are evident from the outside.