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Over the past two years, more than 265,000 burglaries have occurred in the UK, with one happening every two minutes on average
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The average financial loss per burglary is £3,030
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Less than a third (32%) of British households have a burglar alarm
Protecting your home from opportunistic break-ins should always be a priority, but it becomes even more crucial as the days shorten and darken in autumn.
In the UK alone, more than 265,000 burglaries have taken place over the past two years, with one occurring every two minutes on average. The financial impact on homeowners is significant, with an typical loss of £3,030 per burglary.
Despite this, only 32% of British households are equipped with a burglar alarm, and 40% have installed security cameras.
Research shows police failed to solve a single break-in case in nearly half (48%) of all neighbourhoods in England and Wales in the past three years.
To help homeowners secure their property, Ellis Osborn from IronmongeryDirect, has revealed how to protect different areas of the home, from your front door to your gate.
Upgrade your door locks
Many burglars are brazen enough to try their luck by just walking through the front door, and even more than a third (34%) succeed.
One of the best ways to protect your front door from burglary is to upgrade the door lock, and there are a number of options for you to choose from.
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Multipoint door locks: The various components that must be manipulated make it much more difficult for an intruder to gain access to a property. This type of lock is comprised of 3 deadbolts, which is a highly secure lock in its own right; triple the deadbolts, triple the protection.
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Double cylinder locks: These differ from standard locks as they are keyed from both the inside and outside. This type of lock offers protection from a number of scenarios, for example, if a burglar were to break a section of the door to attempt entry, they still would not be able to unlock the door without a key.
Install window bars or restrictors
Whether your windows are open or closed, there are security methods that can offer peace of mind in both cases.
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Window restrictors: To feel secure even when your windows are open, an answer is a high-quality window restrictor. These restrictors come in various forms and can be installed to all types of windows, with many of them boasting impressive strength, protection against cutting, and excellent force resistance.
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Window bars: For a more robust option, window bars (often known as burglar bars) are installed to the outside of a window to create a barrier between the window and the intruder. Typically, planning permission is not needed to install these bars, but it’s always best to check before the installation.
Additional tips for enhancing window security:
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Keep greenery around windows short, so hiding places are limited
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Lock windows when they are closed, even when you’re at home
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Ensure that any objects that could be used to access windows are not positioned nearby (bins, stepladders etc.)
Secure your gates
It is just as important to secure the perimeter of your property as it is to secure the building itself, and this includes gates.
The first step when it comes to gate security is finding an appropriate lock. Gate catches and latches are a great first step, but you can find even more robust options to take security a step further.
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Gate bolts: Gate bolts are one of the most effective products on the market for securing a gate, as other products typically just keep gates in a closed position. These types of locks are the equivalent of a deadbolt on a door, and are therefore one of the most secure options you can buy. You can find gate bolts that simply have the barrel slot in the keep, and even some that have extra components to allow a padlock to be fitted.
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Padlocks: There are a wide range of padlock options available, so you can pick one up based on your needs. Combination padlocks are a great option when securing a gate, as they require knowledge of a code rather than just a key to unlock them.
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Two-part hinges: In the case of metal gates that are installed with two-part hinges, reverse one part of the hinge so it cannot be lifted off
Other security options for stopping burglars
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CCTV cameras: Reliable and convenient, smart CCTV cameras are a popular option, enabling you to check in on your home from a smartphone even when you’re out.
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Outdoor lights: Burglars often rely on darkness to conceal their identity and avoid getting caught. Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to secure your home, particularly motion-activated lights. These turn on whenever motion is detected outside, ensuring your property is protected. When triggered, they can startle anyone who isn’t expecting it, and many lights come with cameras to record activity around the property.
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Blinds or curtains: Cost-effective, simple and practical, installing new blinds or curtains should not be underestimated. Covering your windows means burglars won’t be able to see any potential valuables, such as a TV, that they might target. If you already have blinds, don’t forget to close them.
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Install a burglar alarm or sensor: Equipping your home with a burglar alarm or sensor can be a great long-term investment. These systems work by sounding an alarm when movement is detected around a property, and many modern alarm systems can also link up to your smartphone for easy monitoring and automatically notify the police if an alarm is triggered. Plus, the mere sight of a burglar alarm at the side of your home can stop a burglar from targeting your property.
For more expert advice on how to protect your home, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/how-to-stop-burglars–secure-your-home