1. Pets
Burglars try to bribe animals
Don’t
advertise the fact you’ve got pets with window stickers or pet accessories left
in view. Burglars will know you’re less likely to use your alarm with animals
around.
You might
think your dog will protect the house, but thieves will bribe dogs with treats,
or use a broom to stroke them from a distance to calm them down. Having a cat
flap means your door is weakened and will be easier to kick in.
2. Social
media
Don't
advertise on social media
Don’t talk
about getting the latest expensive gadget on Facebook or other public sites,
and never announce you’re going on holiday either; it’s just asking for trouble.
Similarily,
don’t put a calendar up where it can be seen from the street; a burglar will
know when you plan to be out of the house and may return then.
3. Selling
up
Be wary if
you're selling your house
Be aware
that if an estate agent puts pictures or videos of your house online, thieves
will know exactly what you own, where you keep it, and the exact layout of your
rooms.
Hide any
valuables before the photos are taken. Burglars are now like internet shoppers,
they can even go on Google Street View to plan their escape route.
4. Windows
Always
obscure your windows
Always
obscure your windows. Potential burglars can look in to scope your valuables
and check out the layout of the room. Make sure window locks are visible, too,
as a thief is likely to move on to the next target; they hate breaking glass
because of the noise and risk of injury.
5. In your
garden
Tools can help aid a thief
Don’t
leave any ladders or tools lying around, as these can easily be used to gain
access. Thieves go through bins, so shred every letter you receive before
throwing it away. Identity theft is very common, and all they need is your name
and address.
6. Out and
about
Be aware of
pick-pockets and opportunists when out and about
When
parking, turn your car wheels towards the kerb to stop a thief being able to
tow your car. In a pub or restaurant, never put your handbag on the floor –
keep it in your view, or loop it around the chair. Don’t leave your phone on
the table either, it’s too easy to grab.
When
shopping, never leave your handbag in your trolley because you only have to
turn for a second for it to be stolen. When paying by card, rub your fingers
over all the pin pad buttons after you’ve entered your pin.
Thieves
often wipe a pad clean and wait for a target to enter their number. Then they
dust the pin pad and work out which four digits you’ve entered – then use
technology to work out your exact pin.
7. Doors
Don't leave your keys lying around
Keep your
keys out of sight and never leave them in doors or label them with your
address; this just makes life easier for a thief.
A Yale
lock is more of an opening/closing mechanism than a lock, and can be opened in
seconds by a thief using just a wire and a shoelace, so it’s essential to have
a deadlock as well.
Fitting a
letterbox cage to your door stops burglars being able to use a pole to hook
keys from the hall table, or opening the Yale lock from inside.
8.
Valuables
Thieves love gadgets and jewellery
Nowadays,
most burglars will be looking for small items such as iPads, laptops and
jewellery. They’ll be in and out of your house in moments, so don’t leave doors
and windows open, even for a few minutes – you’d be amazed at the tiny spaces
burglars can gain access through.
The best
place to store valuables is in the loft. Thieves will avoid the loft like the
plague because there’s no escape route. It’s also a good idea to store bags and
suitcases up there, so the burglar can’t use them to carry away your things.
Watermark all your valuables and advertise this fact with a window sticker.
9. If you
have a break in...
Keep a
record
Make sure
you have photos of every room in your house. That way, you’ll be able to
provide the insurance company with proof of your property, and also jog your
memory about what’s missing. People often don’t realise the extent of their
loss until after they’ve filed a claim.
Culled From Mirror
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