Dark Nights
Thursday 29th October 2009
Rngmaster
 

Now that the darker evenings are upon us and the days are shortening, we should be thinking about increasing our security during the winter months.


Recent research undertaken by the Insurance Companies across the U.K. has  shown that more burglaries occur on Bonfire Night than at any other time  throughout the year.


This is undoubtedly due to a combination of factors; house doors being  left ajar due to increased access being required to and from gardens,  general lack of awareness due to festivities taking place. Significant  noise increase masking other activities and sounds. Homes being unoccupied  for lengthy periods of time.


Remember to protect your domestic animals from fireworks. Such things can  cause significant trauma, if necessary seek advice from your Vet.


Criminologists often interview Offenders who are serving custodial sentences. Two out of every three Offenders questioned stated they would much prefer to attack a property that looked unoccupied. These statements from Criminals themselves give the homeowner a significant indicator on how to make their home less attractive to the burglar.


By taking these simple steps to make your home look occupied, even if you are out; you can deter the majority of opportunist burglars.


1. Draw the curtains in rooms normally occupied at night.


2. Using timers leave lights on in rooms that you normally occupy. Do notleave only hall lights on, burglars will quickly realise you are not at home.
 

3. Leave a radio playing on a "talking" channel. Voices indicate occupancyto a burglar; they will not want to confront an occupier.


  4. Securely lock all doors and windows before you go out, also set your  alarm if you have one. If your home is blacked out, burglars will look for the repeater flashing on any  fitted alarm box to see if it's armed. No flashing repeater normally indicates the alarm is not set, upon seeing this the Offender may try to break into your home.

Fit an intruder alarm if you don't have one, it's the single best thing you can have (Association of British Insurers) to protect your home.

5. Don't leave spare keys under plant pots, bushes or loose bricks. They will know where to look and find them. Hide any unused car keys.

6. If you have a dog don't lock it in a small room; allow it access to at least the ground floor. It's barking may well deter anyone creeping about outside. Be aware however that   your dog may trip your alarm. To over come this have Pet Sensors fitted by your alarm provider.

7. Ensure that external lights are working correctly. Replace any broken filaments. If the lamps are not working replace them with low consumption units, over time you will   save a lot of money.

8. Permanently mark your valuable items with your postcode or one of the high tech marking fluids such as Smartwater. Don't leave valuable items on display.

9. Should you go away ensure you leave a contact number or address with a trusted acquaintance, so that you may be contacted in an emergency?
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