Dear Resident, 

Did you know that burglars are more likely to use entry points to the rear of properties such as windows and back doors or patio doors. This is likely due to being less visible, therefore a lower chance of detection. 

Here’s some useful advice to help keep burglars out…

• Keep your fences and hedges low at the front of your property so that anyone attempting to enter your property can be seen easily.
• At the rear and sides, taller fencing is recommended, to prevent easy access. Make it difficult to climb over the fence or gate by adding trellis, thorny plants, or a suitable anti-climb topping such as plastic spikes.
• Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier.
• Lighting is a good deterrent and a clear, low white light that activates at dusk to dawn is recommended. Make sure they are installed at both the front and rear of your property. 
• If you have a house alarm, use it! Even if you are only planning to be out for a brief time, use it. Burglars are often only minutes inside a property so do not assume that just because you are not going to be away for hours or days that you shouldn’t set your alarm. 
• If you do not have a house alarm, then look at alternatives such as window and door alarms. These can be applied to the window or door and are fitted with a loud siren alarm. Smashing windows and glass doors is the most common method used to gain access so by adding a simple alarm to the glass can be an effective deterrent. 
• Leaving your windows open during warmer months allows easy access to your property. So, remember to keep all windows and doors locked when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Burglars will sometimes monitor movements and routine. Install smart plugs that run your lights by a timer and tell a trusted neighbour to keep an eye out.
• Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, cash) in a properly secured safe. It should be anchored to the ground or secured to a wall. If you can move it, then a burglar can too. 
• CCTV, together with the above, can be a good deterrent. The Internet of Things ‘IOT’ has moved into Wi-Fi doorbells and camera systems which can be linked to your phone and tablet to alert you to any activation and view your property in real-time. You should position cameras where they are best able to obtain decent quality facial images. Some cameras work by day and by night, and record when they detect movement. For advice and approved suppliers of CCTV visit the National Security Inspectorate and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board.
• Finally, report anything suspicious to the Police and consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. 

We hope this helps. 

Crime Prevention Team