| Burglary is one of those things that you never expect | | | | Following on from locks, a burglar alarm provides an |
| to happen to you. And true, with the necessary | | | | effective way to stop robbers. It could be the case |
| precautions, your home may never be broken into. | | | | that the alarm sounding means they've already broken |
| However, it's a good idea to attempt securing your | | | | in, but it also means they'll probably make a break for it |
| home as best as you can because many people | | | | as soon as they realise the house's inhabitants - and |
| aren't so lucky. | | | | their neighbours - will be alerted to their presence. |
| Criminals target houses that look like easy pickings. If | | | | Many alarm systems are monitored by a central |
| they're searching for somewhere to rob and see an | | | | control, so any triggering of the alarm generally results |
| unsecured home that looks empty, it's an attractive | | | | in a police car being dispatched to investigate soon |
| option. A few security measures could really make a | | | | afterwards. A loud alarm can also give intruders |
| difference. | | | | enough of a scare that'll chase them away, with the |
| The first - and simplest - form of security is obvious: | | | | threat of confrontation by both the home occupier and |
| locks. Your door and window locking systems should | | | | the police fairly certain. |
| be effective and in good working order. Make sure | | | | Another deterrent is CCTV. Placing cameras around |
| that you actually use them - a mistake like forgetting to | | | | the exterior of your home will show prospective |
| lock up one night could prove disastrous if it happens | | | | burglars you are well-protected and will help |
| to be the night burglars are in the area. As simple as it | | | | discourage them. It's a big risk to attempt to break into |
| is, a locked window is a powerful deterrent for | | | | a property where you could be caught on camera. |
| robbers. Why risk making a lot of noise forcing your | | | | Closed-circuit television cameras, even if concealed |
| way in when it's possible that another property has | | | | from sight, could really help protect your home as well |
| open windows? The work is practically done for you. | | | | as provide invaluable evidence for the police against |
| Keys to your doors and windows should be | | | | intruders. |
| accounted for. If you lose your keys, your home is at | | | | However, no matter how many security measures |
| risk; no matter how absurd it seems that the finder | | | | you take, your home is always at risk. While these |
| could locate it. They might have been stolen from you, | | | | suggestions could mean that your home is less likely to |
| or absently left hanging in the lock one day you were | | | | be targeted, nothing is failsafe. As standard practice, |
| returning home, only to be swiped by someone for | | | | you should always purchase home insurance to help |
| later use. It's a good idea to change your lock if you | | | | protect your belongings. That way, even if you are the |
| lose your key, otherwise it could be an open invitation | | | | unfortunate victim of robbery, you'll be covered for |
| for criminals who can't believe their luck. | | | | your losses. |