Motion sensor lighting
These systems automatically switch on if they sense movement, and alert you that someone is close to your home at night; they can also scare off any potential intruders.
Use curtains or blinds
If a potential burglar can see a 57” smart TV or the latest computers and laptops inside your home, it makes it seem much more attractive to break in to.
Be careful with your keys
- Avoid leaving spares in obvious or easy-to-reach places – such as under your doormat or a plant pot! And never label house keys with your name or address (this should be a no brainer, but you never know!).
- If you must leave a spare key, get a locked box with an access code just for the people who live in the house.
Get to know your neighbours
If you know the people who live around you, they are more likely to spring into action if they see suspicious behaviour around your home. If you are going away, ask your neighbours (or a friend) to empty your mailbox and put out and bring in your rubbish bins. An overflowing mailbox and your bins out for a week is a sure sign no one is home!
Safe
Consider having a safe in your home to store your most valuable items, such as jewellery.
Install extra locks
- Window locks – locks for windows (the clue’s in the name!)
- Barrel bolts - a sliding bolt which goes on the inside of the door.
- Chain locks – these lock the door to the frame by a connecting chain.
- Deadlocks - secure locks that can only be opened by rotating the key.
- Smart locks - electronic locks which offer features like auto-locking or code locks.
- Padlocks - use these on side gates and garden sheds to make it harder for burglars to gain access to your property.
- And make sure all windows and doors are locked before you go to bed or leave the house.
More tips to keep your neighbourhood safe
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