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A burglary can have devastating effects – it can make you feel less safe in your home and possibly result in the loss of costly and sentimental items, some of which can never be replaced. Burglars like to pick their targets strategically. There are various ways that you make your home less attractive to thieves. Here are just five strategies for keeping the burglars away.
Lock all entry points
The simplest way you can protect your property is by locking all windows and doors. A window or a door that has been left open whilst you’re not in is an obvious invitation for thieves to come in. That said, even windows and doors that are closed can be easily broken into if also unlocked – a thief may be able to slide or wedge them open. Most modern doors and windows come with inside locks. Make sure to use these locks every time you leave the house. You should make sure that the hinges and frame are also in good condition as some burglars may be able to exploit this weakness to get in. Sites like www.kensingtonsecuritydoorsandwindows.com have a good range of secure doors and windows to choose from.
Draw the curtains
Many burglars like to go window shopping. Be wary of any rooms that can be peered into by passers-by – you should draw the curtains at night to stop anyone looking in. Net curtains can be put up permanently to distort the view from outside, whilst letting in light and air. Make sure that no valuables are on the windowsill as these could advertise your property to thieves. Outside obstructions like hedges and walls shouldn’t be relied on for as a deterrent as these may actually have the opposite effect – such outside obstructions make it easy for a burglar to break in without being noticed by other passers-by.
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Install security gadgets
Security gadgets can be useful for keeping away intruders. Burglar alarms are the most effective way to drive away thieves. A thief may succeed at breaking in, but it won’t be long before they’re running out when the alarm shrieking at them and alerting everyone on the road. Sites like www.alarm-reviews.net compare some of the best burglar alarms around and could be useful for making the best purchase for you. Other gadgets to consider include motion sensing lighting and CCTV. Motion sensing lighting operates in the dark whenever motion is detected – it will light up any burglars and is certain to be more economical than having a permanent light glaring all night long. CCTV meanwhile can help to record any criminals in the act. You can buy a motion sensing camera light that combines both functions.
Use dummy deterrents
It’s possible to foil burglars with dummy deterrents that make them think a property is harder to break into than it actually is. In most cases, the sight of a security camera is enough to put off burglars – installing a dummy camera to the front of your home could be more affordable and just as effective as a working camera. You can also warn people away with false signs. Hanging up a ‘beware of the dog’ sign might put off several burglars – it can be an effective strategy even if you don’t own dogs. There are also dummy deterrents to consider for when you’re not at home. Some people may choose to leave the TV on whilst on a night out, or leave some lights on. This may waste energy, but it could convince thieves that there’s someone in and prevent a burglary.
Watch what you put on social media
Lots of people post content on social media without thinking about who can see it. You should make sure that your Facebook profile is private and can only be viewed by friends. That said, it may still pose a risk. There may be a forgotten friend of yours on Facebook who is able to relay information they see on your wall to a burglar. You should be careful of photographs of your home’s interior and information of your address for this reason. Shouting about a holiday on Facebook might also tell people that your home is empty – consider posting those holiday snaps once you’ve got back instead.