With the Office for National Statistics recently reporting that in the last year there has been no significant change in the overall level of crime (in contrast to the past few decades where we have seen it fall), and the average total amount lost in burglaries being well over £3,000, now is a good a time as ever to consider if you’re home is as secure as it could be.
With the help of the Google team, we’ve got the 10 top tips to help make your home less appealing to criminals ahead of the summer with home security experts Ex-Police Chief Colin Port and Ex-Burglar Michael Fraser.
Don’t
Leave valuables on show through your windows
Advertise you have pets in the house – it’s a sign you don’t have an alarm
Leave tools outside your home that could be used to break in
Leave calendars or notes that show when you’re away near windows
Let your hedges become overgrown and obscure entrances
Do
Make your front door visibly look as secure as possible
Invest in visible home security, such as an alarm or camera, to deter thieves
Install a letterbox cage so burglars can’t reach through and ‘fish’ for keys
Get to know your neighbours – they can be a second pair of safety eyes for you
Use your security equipment, if you have them installed make the most of them
Have you any top tips for home security? Share them with us by tweeting us @goodhomesmag or posting a comment on our Facebook page.