Protecting home from intruders - recommendations

thejinkazama

Hello,

Aside from locking doors and windows and keeping valuables out of sight, what other ways do you recommend keeping your home safe? We are moving out soon and I am worried about the possibility of a break in. Would you recommend installing CCTV, an alarm (monitored or otherwise) or something else? I'm also conscious of the cost of such systems but would be likely to pay more for piece of mind.

Thanks

Jonesya

Get a number of timer switches and have a few low energy lights on in the evening in different rooms - it makes the place look occupied. And even a radio.

I doubt anything would stop a determined burglar, but it might persuade then to carry on and try their luck somewhere else.

tacpot12

A dog is the best form of insurance, but leaving a dog when you move out isn't a solution.

Making the property appear occupied is an option, dummy CCTV and Alarms would be cheaper than the real thing but might not provide enough deterence in crime hotspots.

How long will you be away from the property for? Have you got any valuables that you can't take with you? Could they go into storage or be lodged with friends?

thejinkazama

We'd only be out throughout the day when working. Valuables would be the usual things such as TVs, laptops and other electronics.

I'm considering a smart system which allows you to view the property from your phone when out and control lights From what I'm aware of, it's not a crime hotspot, I just want to do as much as I can to protect my belongings.

Edit: Just to be clear, I'm looking to protect the new property which I'm moving into. I'm finally moving out from my parents!

ceredigion

6' blackthorn hedge

Silvertabby

Change all the door locks on the day you move in. You've no idea how many spare keys there are out there.

Aylesbury_Duck

Change the locks and consider a smart wireless alarm. Another thing is to assess what neighbours have in place. If your place looks more secure/protected than your neighbours houses, it will mean theyre more likely to be burgled more than you are.

getmore4less

See if you can find any of the Yale CCTV and Alarm stuff left in you local homebase(s).

You have to go in they have taken the stuff off the web, ask to check the nearby stores.

https://www.hotukdeals.com/search?q=homebase+yale


don't forget if you overboard it can send a message we have stuff worth pinching.

Don't leave the boxes of that brand new TV and stuff next to the bins for collection.

getmore4less

keep it in one thread or people will just end up repeating stuff or stop posting.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5885037/police-monitored-burglar-alarm-costs

antilles

I bought a house on a corner plot a few years back, which meant it only had neighbours on one side, and could be accessed from the street, back, and side of the house. it also faced a lake and woodland so no neighbours across the street either. I ramped up security as follows:
- Changed the locks
- Raised the fences with trellis (to stay within planning laws) and attached artificial hedge screening to the trellis (it kind of folds out and is easily attached to trellis with cable ties, and gives instant privacy)
- Installed those brown plastic anti intruder spikes (sold by most DIY stores), with a few signs warning people about the spikes
- Planted very thorny bushes around the perimeter of the fencing to deter anyone climbing over
- Installed one of those Yale alarms that phones and texts you when it goes off - easily installed if you have basic DIY skill and a ladder for the siren
- Installed programmable timer switches which slot over lights for when I'm not in
- Fitted external solar powered security lights (available from most DIY stores or online - less than a tenner each)
- Got friendly with the neighbours and asked them to keep an eye on the house when I wasn't there, gave them my mobile for emergencies, put wheelie bins away etc. I do the same for them when they're away.

You won't stop a professional thief, but most burglars are opportunists or petty criminals and will pass your house by if it looks uninviting or basically more secure than an easier one down the street with no security.

Working_Mum

I had an intruder/burglar alarm system installed a few years ago but had it set up so I could alarm the downstairs when i went to bed or I was home alone and upstairs. It has been really useful and helped me feel safe when home alone!