There are many things you can do to protect your property which will significantly reduce your risk of being targeted, some of which won’t cost you a penny. Here are some top tips:
- Do not leave your keys or important documents near doors, windows or letterboxes
- Ensure your doors and windows have good quality locks – and use them!
- Close and lock all doors and windows even if you are popping out for a few minutes
- Always keep sheds, garages and outbuildings locked and secure
- Cancel deliveries such as milk, when you are away from home for days or weeks
- Ask a neighbour to remove post protruding from your letterbox if you are away and to
- keep a general eye on your property
- Keep your valuables out of sight
- Use timers to ensure some lights come on when it is dark before you return home
- Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number
- Install a visible burglar alarm
- Do not leave ladders or garden tools accessible which could be used to gain access to the property
- Residents of multi-occupied premises should not grant entry to people via an entry phone if they do not know who they are and be wary of ‘tailgaters’ attempting to gain access
- Do not label your house keys in case they fall into the wrong hands
- Be mindful of the telephone message you provide on your answer phone if you are away for any length of time – do not specify your return date
- Check your household insurance policy to ensure it is adequate for your needs and that it will cover you in case you are away for extended periods of time
- If you have a burglar alarm installed by an NSI approved company, check with your insurance company as you may be entitled to discount on your policy
- Remember to set your burglar alarm when you leave your property (this may be an insurance requirement)
- Shred any documents that contain personal information before putting in your bin
Fencing and gates should be well maintained and secure. Ensure hedging and shrubs are regularly pruned so they do not obscure unwanted visitors and consider motion detectors to activate security lighting
Obtaining Police Response
In order to obtain police response in the UK, please be aware you need to use the services of a company holding approval as an installer and maintainer of intruder and hold-up alarm systems.
NSI NACOSS Gold and Systems Silver approved companies employ the services of NSI approved ARCs (Alarm Receiving Centres) to provide 24/7 monitoring and alert the relevant police authority when they believe security has been breached at an alarmed premises (domestic or commercial).
NSI approval gives you confidence in the integrity of the alarm system maintenance and 24/7 monitoring process.
Find NSI approved companies in your area via 'Find a Company' and search for 'Intruder Alarm/CCTV/Access Control' to make sure the company you are using holds NSI NACOSS Gold or Systems Silver approval.
