Best burglar deterrent?

Pound

Your first option should be a burglar alarm. Homebase sell Yale wireless alarms which can be plugged into your phone line so you get a call if it goes off.

You could also purchase a couple of IP cameras and point them out the front and back windows. There are websites which will record video and email you if it spots any movement. These work as both a deterrent and also allows you to take action if you get any unwanted visitors.

ripplyuk

Is Yale a good brand? I keep hearing about alarms going off all the time for no reason which will mean the neighbours might start ignoring it. Is Yale better than the Sonis wireless alarm? The fake TV box sounds good but I also have a thing about turning off all electric sockets before leaving in case of fire. I'm used to checking each one before I leave. I'm much more worried about a burglar breaking in when I'm at home than when I'm out. I don't have any real valuables. I just know I'd never feel safe again if someone broke in.

SailorSam

I've fitted a couple of alarms from this place, they do all sorts of security equipment.

http://www.responseelectronics.com/burglar-alarms-c8

DaveTheMus

the PVC doors aren't as secure as people think, my previous house was broken into and the burglar kicked the entire centre section of the door in, the locks were undamaged but the hole the burglar kicked in was easily big enough to walk through and when he was done he just put the door back together again.



all that was left was the thin rectangle border with the handle on it, the part with the letter-box and window is one big single section and is, seemingly, very easy to dislodge with a well placed kick. The foot print was on the door when i got home.

ifstar

ripplyuk wrote: »

I've just heard that two people were burgled who only live a few miles from me. I'm in a very rural area and this is unheard of in the 13 years I've been living here. So, I'm keen to improve my security but as its a rented house, I'm reluctant to pay for anything expensive that I can't take with me if I move. I spoke to my local crime prevention officer about anti bump locks but he seemed to think it wouldn't be worth it where I live. I've key operated locks on all the windows and the pvc doors have the usual 5 point locks. Also, a 'guard dog' warning sign outside. I'm very careful about keeping doors/windows locked at all times. My bedroom is also barred shut at night using two thick wooden bars. What else would be best to do? I've seen a wireless alarm called 'Sonis'. Would this be a good idea? I'm worried a false alarm would scare me to death. I would like an alarm that only I can trigger using a panic button if I hear a burglar but I can't seem to find anything like this. Would more secure locks be better? Any ideas appreciated!

If someone really wants to get in to a house then they will however you can do stuff to make your house less appealing as they will go for the easier and quieter options.


Don't leave stuff in plain sight, don't leave house/car keys near the front door, don't leave doors unlocked whether you are in or not (lot's of people seem to not think there is anything wrong with leaving doors unlocked - even overnight), don't invite strangers in off the doorstep (people do this and ask to use the toilet and then steal things), if you see people hanging about that don't look like they should be then contact the police

Jonesya

Have a few low-energy table lights on timer switches, dotted around the house front and back, makes it look like someone's home plus it's cheap and you can take the bits with you if you change homes.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-tm24-mechanical-daily-timer-240v-pack-of-3/97793

Stooby2

Have you spoken to your landlord about your concerns? He/she may well be equally worried as a burglary is almost certainly going to damage doors or windows and possibly other fittings in the house. You might get a burglar alarm installed for you.

Personally I have timer activated lights and also the telly. If someone looking from the road sees lights on and the telly they'll most likely just move on.

Jnelhams

A photo of the mother-in-law. And a bloomin loud alarm.

ripplyuk

Stooby2 wrote: »

Have you spoken to your landlord about your concerns? He/she may well be equally worried as a burglary is almost certainly going to damage doors or windows and possibly other fittings in the house. You might get a burglar alarm installed for you.

Personally I have timer activated lights and also the telly. If someone looking from the road sees lights on and the telly they'll most likely just move on.

Landlord just says to be vigilant, which I always am, almost to the point of paranoia. There's no chance he'll spend any money whatsoever on security. I've decided to get a bolted down wall safe, to give me some peace of mind when I'm out. They also seem to be fire/waterproof which is even better. Although it would be horrendous to come home and find the place burgled, I'm even more terrified of an intruder when I'm home so I'm trying to find a wireless alarm system that is only activated by me pushing a panic button. It's not proving easy. Also, it needs to be reliable and not going off on false alarms.