The North Mendip Beat Team (PC Peard 3455, PCSO Bowen 8390) have offered this list of points to check as an aid to discouraging opportunist thieves:
- Make sure the doors and frames are strong and are in good condition.
- Fit back and front doors with a five-lever mortice deadlock – and use it.
- Glass panels on or around the door are especially vulnerable, so replace them with laminated glass.
- Fit a letterbox cage to stop someone reaching inside to open your night latch lock.
- Check that the door hinges are sturdy and secured with strong long screws. Consider using inexpensive hinge bolts which help to reinforce the hinge side of a door against the use of force.
- Fit key-operated window locks to all downstairs windows and easily accessible upstairs windows. For example those above a flat roof or by a drainpipe.
- Even small windows such as skylights or bathroom fanlights need locks – a thief can get through any gap larger than the human head.
- Remember to remove keys from locked windows and to keep them out of sight in a safe place.
- If you are replacing windows – consider laminated glass. This glass has a layer of vinyl between two sheets of glass making it difficult to break.
- As a last resort, consider fitting security grilles to vulnerable windows – many DIY shops now sell decorative wrought iron grilles.
- Intruder alarms are an effective deterrent against burglars. They provide a useful warning and limit the risk of theft and damage to your property. Surveys have consistently shown that properties are less likely to be burgled if an alarm is fitted.
- Fit a security bulk-head light to the outside of your property at the front and back.
- Use time switches to turn on lights, radios and other appliances when you’re out.
- If your car operates by means of a key fob or similar. Keep your keys inside a car key signal blocker. This is a simple effective idea of a pouch lined with metallic material that blocks any exterior attempt to read your keys while they’re inside your property. Making keys safe stops an opportunist burglar having instant access to a car during a break-in.
- Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under a door mat or in a flower pot – a thief will look there first.
- Ask a friend or trusted neighbour to hold keys for you instead. They may also be prepared to look after your home while you are away on holiday, Offer to do the same for them. This also helps you to get to know your neighbours, improving your security.
- If you’ve moved into a new house, consider changing the back and front door locks – other people may have keys that fit.