People

Hopefully you are among the lucky ones whose house has not yet been burgled. By the way, did you know that 70% to 80% of burglars are occasional offenders? They usually set off with a crowbar or screwdriver. Their favourite break-in time is in the late afternoon and early evening; this is why the winter months are so favourable to them.

Burglars often choose the back of the house. This is mainly because the burglar does not want to be seen. There is usually less (street) lighting there and fewer people walking. A fence or hedge can make it harder for them to get into the garden. Delaying a burglary is often enough to make the perpetrators abandon their intention to break in.

The following tips can prevent burglaries:
-An outdoor light with a motion sensor deters burglars and alerts your neighbours and passers-by that someone is at your door. Also provide lighting at the back of the house.
-Burglars have different ways of getting a door open: with a wire or piece of plastic. Don't just pull the door but also lock it. Make this a habit. Also make sure you have burglar-proof locks; get advice on this. Extra locking on the inside of doors helps.
-Think about sturdy hardware on windows too.
-Do not leave wheelie bins (a plastic rubbish bin on two wheels in which household or kitchen waste is collected), ladders or other garden furniture outside. These make it easy for a burglar.
-Placing shutters at the back can help.
-Interior lighting with a timer to suggest presence.
-Social control and a good relationship with neighbours is also very important.
-In case of prolonged absence, you can ask for police supervision.

With these tips, you can already do a few things to prevent a burglary, but your home will of course become even safer with an alarm in the house and/or camera surveillance.

(FVDV for Tagtik/Illustration picture: Pixabay)