IMPORTANT NOTICE
Our main phone number has changed. Please use 01223 626547 until further notice.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Our main phone number has changed. Please use 01223 626547 until further notice.
Our out-of-hours number remains the same.
Thank you.
How to stop burglars is a critical issue for anyone concerned about home and business security.
Burglary is a painful violation of your personal space, leaving you feeling vulnerable.
At i2 Security & Fire Protection, we understand these concerns deeply. We have decades of expertise in securing homes and businesses.
Proactive measures are vital in preventing burglaries. This blog post offers practical, expert tips to help you protect your property and ensure peace of mind. We cover everything from securing entry points to using advanced security systems and more.
Learn how to fortify your home or business and why i2 is your best ally in this mission.
Doors are your first line of defence against burglars. Here are some tips to help you ensure your doors are as secure as they can be:
If not properly secured, windows can be vulnerable points of entry. Here are some tips to boost their security:
A home safe can protect important documents, jewellery, and other valuables from theft and fire. A safety deposit box at a bank or a safety deposit vault offers higher security for precious items.
Positioning your safe is crucial. Place it somewhere discreet, not in the main bedroom, which is often the first place robbers check. A basement or a hidden cupboard is ideal.
Ensure you securely bolt your safe to a wall or the floor and always keep it locked, even when you’re at home.
Marking solutions, like SmartWater or SelectaDNA, make your valuables less attractive to thieves.
These products leave a unique, invisible mark you can only see under UV light.
This helps the police identify stolen items and increases the chances of recovery.
Registering your valuables on databases such as BikeRegister can deter theft and help recover stolen items.
These databases store details and photographs of your property, which police can access if necessary.
Documenting your valuables is essential. Take clear photographs of each item, focusing on unique features or markings. Keep receipts and any relevant documentation in a safe place.
This information is invaluable if you must prove ownership for insurance claims or police reports.
Dot peen marking is a method in which tiny dots are engraved onto an object to create a unique identifier.
You can use this technique on various materials, including metal and plastic. It’s a permanent way to mark your more expensive items.
Darkness is a thief’s best friend. Here’s how to keep them at bay with good lighting:
Thoughtful landscaping can make it harder for housebreakers to approach unnoticed. Some things to bear in mind include the following:
A high-quality and reliable intruder alarms is a powerful burglar deterrent. Things to consider when choosing your alarm include:
CCTV cameras allow you to keep an eye on your property 24/7. You must consider the following when installing CCTV:
An intercom or access control system gives you the ultimate control over who enters your property. Here’s how they differ from each other:
Joining a Neighbourhood Watch program can boost security.
These programs foster community vigilance, making it harder for burglars to operate unnoticed. When neighbours look out for each other, the whole area becomes safer.
Recognising and responding to suspicious behaviour promptly can prevent crimes. Here’s how to stay vigilant and take appropriate action.
Identify and Report Suspicious Behaviour
Be aware of unfamiliar individuals loitering or behaving oddly in your area.
Vehicles parked for long periods or frequently driving through your street without an apparent reason can also be a red flag.
If you notice anything unusual, report it to the police or your Neighbourhood Watch coordinator. Provide as much detail as possible, including descriptions and times.
Bogus Callers and Distraction Burglary
Bogus callers often pretend to be from utility companies or local authorities to gain entry to your home.
Distraction burglars work in pairs; one distracts you while the other steals your belongings. Always be cautious when someone unexpected knocks on your door.
Genuine callers will understand your need for caution and will wait while you check their credentials. If someone tries to pressure or confuse you, do not let them in. Trust your instincts, keep the door locked and call the police if you feel threatened.
A ‘beware of the dog’ sign can signal that you’re relying mainly on a dog for security, which might suggest that you lack other security measures.
It also tells burglars there’s a dog, giving them time to plan how to disarm it with food or even steal the dog.
Letterboxes can be a vulnerability if not properly secured. Thieves can use them to reach inside and access locks or grab valuables.
Installing a cage inside your door around the letterbox prevents anyone from reaching through. It also stops them from using tools to manipulate locks.
Leaving brooms and mops outside can give thieves the means to break into your home. For example, They can use these items to hook keys through letterboxes or break windows.
Another common use is to prop them up against the front door. Then, if you return home while a break-in is in progress, the mop or broom will fall and make a noise. This alerts the intruder that it’s time to make an escape.
Curtains and blinds prevent outsiders from seeing into your home, which is crucial for protecting your valuables from prying eyes.
At night, closed curtains or blinds prevent people from seeing if anyone is home or if valuable items are within easy reach.
Choose heavy, opaque materials for the best coverage.
When selling your house online, be careful with the information and photos you share. Avoid posting images that show security features, valuable items, or the layout of your home.
Burglars often use these listings to find targets. If possible, get advice from an estate agent on selling your property safely.
Leaving notes on your door indicating that you are not home is an open invitation. Even a quick shopping trip can be enough time for a determined thief.
Instead, use smart doorbells or intercom systems to communicate with delivery drivers or visitors. You can manage these systems remotely and make sure your home remains secure even when you’re out.
Kitchen calendars can give burglars valuable information about your routine. They can show when you might not be home.
If you use a wall calendar, make sure it’s not visible from windows or doors. Consider using a digital calendar that is password-protected and not accessible to outsiders.
Avoid posting real-time updates about your location, especially if you’re away from home.
Sharing holiday or trip details alerts burglars your home will be empty.
Review your privacy settings and be careful about who can see your posts.
Burglars are put off most by visible security measures. Alarm systems, CCTV cameras, and well-lit exteriors are top deterrents. Homes that appear occupied, with lights on and cars in the driveway, also put burglars off.
Burglars avoid houses with secure doors and windows, alarm sensors, and visible CCTV cameras. Properties with well-maintained gardens and no easy hiding spots are less attractive. Being part of a Neighbourhood Watch program also helps, as it signals a vigilant community.
Generally, burglars do not want to hurt you. They aim to avoid confrontation and get in and out quickly. However, it’s essential to prioritise safety. If you encounter a burglar, do not engage. Instead, leave the area if possible and contact the police immediately.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) report for the year ending March 2024 estimated that there were 1.6 million neighbourhood crime incidents.
Neighbourhood crime is defined by the Home Office as “robbery and selected theft offences (theft from the person, domestic burglary, and vehicle-related theft).”
Think WIDE(N) is a simple and practical framework for improving home security. It’s an acronym that stands for:
Securing your home or business is crucial to protecting your loved ones and valuables.
We’ve covered different ways to prevent burglary, such as strengthening entry points and using security systems like CCTV and burglar alarms.
Each tip in this blog helps create a strong deterrent and makes your property less attractive to potential intruders.
At i2 Security & Fire Protection, we have decades of experience in professional security solutions.
Whether you want to enhance your home’s security or secure a business, we’re here to help.
Contact our experts today to discuss your options and protect your property and loved ones.