Basic home protection rules haven’t changed much:
• Don’t make it easy for a thief to break-in.
• Use an alarm or video surveillance in your absence.
• Secure valuables at home or store them safely off-site.
KEEP THEM OUT
Many burglars are looking for easy pickings, so making it hard for them to break in could mean they’ll move on.
• Lock windows and doors, preferably with deadbolt locks.
• Don’t leave ladders and garden tools lying around – they’re handy for break-ins.
• Install sensor-controlled automatic security lights.
• Mount a visible outside alarm box.
WHO’S THERE?
Make your home look lived in while you’re away, by using an inexpensive power timer, leave a radio on, make sure the mail is collected, switch off the telephone ringer and leave washing on the line.
get an alarm
Electronic alarms have been around for decades. Monitored alarms have traditionally used dial-up technology over a phone line, but some people have ditched their traditional landline for an internet-based mobile service.
This sometimes causes problems. The alarm should have the internet as a built-in service, but if you’re thinking of switching to an internet-based phone service, check with your alarm provider first.
Cost-effective video surveillance is newer – it allows you to monitor your property using a computer or smartphone from anywhere there’s an internet connection or cell coverage.
Getting “independent” security advice is difficult as most “advisors” will want to sell you their system.
Use the police website for general security advice. If you decide to buy a security system, compare different product features and get several quotes.
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