House was broken into - which security?

I_have_spoken

We (and the police) think they were after the car keys as we have an audi in the drive and they are the flavour of the month round here

Fair comment. I wondered if you'd had the SOCO around to dust for prints etc.

It's unfortunately a fact that you should really beef up security; repeat victimisation means anyone experiencing a burglary is four times more likely to experience a second.

FWIW, I'd be -

+ Installing exterior lights on a PIR. Not those daft 500W lights which dazzle everyone and allow burglars to hide in the shadows, just a set of 100W bulkhead lamps with PIR(s) which cover the approaches to the house.

+ Alarm. I've found a Response alarm fine for DIY installation, with radio link to bell-box (+ dummy boxes) and detectors. You can also get panic remotes.

+ A safe bolted to solid wall in which to keep important papers, passport, spare keys, laptop etc. (No point in attaching to plasterboard, they just jemmy the safe off the wall and carry it away)

+ A desire to learn golf, which explains why there's a No.7 iron under your bed

sniggings

Lu_Lu wrote: »

Believe me we have nothing of real value except the car and keys are always hidden.

Once in you want them to find the keys straight away and get out, no point hiding them so they stay longer looking for them.

Lu_Lu

ohreally wrote: »

Get a dog.

Would love to but sadly not an option.

I_have_spoken wrote: »

Fair comment. I wondered if you'd had the SOCO around to dust for prints etc.

+ Installing exterior lights on a PIR. Not those daft 500W lights which dazzle everyone and allow burglars to hide in the shadows, just a set of 100W bulkhead lamps with PIR(s) which cover the approaches to the house.

+ Alarm. I've found a Response alarm fine for DIY installation, with radio link to bell-box (+ dummy boxes) and detectors. You can also get panic remotes.

+ A safe bolted to solid wall in which to keep important papers, passport, spare keys, laptop etc. (No point in attaching to plasterboard, they just jemmy the safe off the wall and carry it away)

+ A desire to learn golf, which explains why there's a No.7 iron under your bed

Yes they dusted for prints but nothing found. Lights have been ordered and alarm sorting is underway. DH is doing anti snap lock things today so security definitely being beefed up.

Hubby already a keen golfer - handy that!

sniggings wrote: »

Once in you want them to find the keys straight away and get out, no point hiding them so they stay longer looking for them.

I have read mixed messages about this and although I agree to a point and spoke to the police about this and they did that if the keys aren't immediately or very quickly found they will leave anyway as car on drive usually means owner is in. Usually opportunists as most people leave car keys by their front door.

Tucker

benson1980 wrote: »

I would prioritise alarm over CCTV in terms of an effective deterrent. CCTV-wise, this does deter to a degree but offender(s) can just put a hood up and know that they're not going to be recognised. Alarms however they wouldn't like hence why in HHarrys case they legged it straight away and probably won't come back- they will look for an easier house to burgle. Sounds like you are on top of looking at the ingress route.

I am not sure I'd agree. I looked at the pros and cons of both and went for CCTV.

Alarms go off night and day and rarely bring someone running to see what it is as they are all too often false alarms.

With CCTV, you have the visual deterent and the satisfaction that you may get a mug shot or two which you can do something with. They may wear masks or hoods, but clothing, shoes, vehicles used can be captured to give you a chance of gaining an outcome should the worsed happen and you'll have no trouble convincing your insuers that it's a genuine theft.

Of course, both is better still.

Tucker

In the press today. Need I say more -

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2959851/BBC-presenter-Sara-Cox-helps-burglars-bars-tweeted-pictures-raiding-brother-s-luxury-home.html

benson1980

Tucker wrote: »

I am not sure I'd agree. I looked at the pros and cons of both and went for CCTV.

Alarms go off night and day and rarely bring someone running to see what it is as they are all too often false alarms.

With CCTV, you have the visual deterent and the satisfaction that you may get a mug shot or two which you can do something with. They may wear masks or hoods, but clothing, shoes, vehicles used can be captured to give you a chance of gaining an outcome should the worsed happen and you'll have no trouble convincing your insuers that it's a genuine theft.

Of course, both is better still.

There's always going to be different opinions on this...in my experience burglars are either quite happy burgling somewhere with CCTV as they can take precautions as to not be identified, or they don't realise its there, but still go on to burgle the place anyway. Granted I agree that it is unrealistic to expect the neighbourhood watch to descend on your property as soon as your alarm goes off but burglars know that people will be looking, maybe calling it in etc and its more overt in terms of the alarm box on the outside of the house and obviously the audible once its set off. Hence why in my opinion its a better deterrent. CCTV is far from pointless and in an ideal world get both. If you want to prioritise, I'd be getting an alarm first.

chancesare_2

Can I suggest looking at it from a different angle. If they were after your car, then buy a wheel clamp and ensure it's highly visible from the parking area.

Shore up the access from your neighbours garden into yours.

Edit, the first clamp I found on google was less than £80.

http://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/car-security-mirrors-signage-c1171/car-security-c1037/home-office-type-approved-wheel-clamp-p715?shopping&gclid=CIj7h7eS7sMCFYnJtAodMw0AGg

Think about it, if you had just broken into a house and stolen car keys, would you want to be fannying around taking a clamp off?

silverwhistle

How about some dummy Audi keys which they grab, rush out the door and then 'oh, drat'..

I once had a car stolen from a lock up behind the house, which gave the thieves suitable cover to hot-wire it and then use in a post office raid! [My cars are never worth much..] I doubt if they'd try the same if your car is fully visible on your drive.

SuzieSue

Or get something like this:


http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001WJRW0E/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_3p_dp_1


Stoplock HG 134-66 Steering Wheel Lock Airbag 4x4

Just make sure it will fit your car.

chancesare_2

SuzieSue wrote: »

Or get something like this:


http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001WJRW0E/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_3p_dp_1


Stoplock HG 134-66 Steering Wheel Lock Airbag 4x4

Just make sure it will fit your car.

The idea of the wheel brace was to make it visible. In the early hours (don't know if there are streetlights) it may not be entirely obvious the car has that fitted. The wheel brace is quite 'in your face'.