Victim Support - Croydon

Crime Prevention

There are ways in which you can try and safeguard your home and its contents.
Make it difficult for the burglar!

Most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves. In two out of ten burglaries they don't even have to use force – they get in through an open window or door.

Look at your home through the burglar’s eyes – are there places where they could break in unseen? Have you fitted strong locks on your doors and windows? Would they have to make a lot of noise breaking in? Reduce the risk of burglary by making sure you've taken these simple precautions. For a relatively small outlay, you could make your home more secure and buy peace of mind into the bargain.

Windows: Easily visible locks may deter some thieves. DIY shops sell inexpensive key – operated locks to fit all kinds of windows.

Doors: Fit solid timber doors with good cylinder lock one third of the way down, a five lever mortice deadlock two thirds of the way down. A spyhole can be used to check the identity of callers. A door chain allows you to open the door a little while talking to the caller.

Lighting: Good lighting can deter a thief. Some exterior lights have an infra–red sensor that switches the light on when movement is detected. Make it look as though you're in, even when you're out. Most burglaries happen when a house or a flat is empty.

Gardens: Plant prickly bushes near the boundary. Fit flimsy trellis on top of fencing, just strong enough to support a climbing plant. Fit padlocks and bolts to inside of gates.

Sheds and Garages: keep locked - they often contain expensive tools, including ladders which can be used to break into your house.

Holidays: When you are away, get a friend or a neighbour to look after your home. Ask them to collect your post, draw your curtains at night and generally make your home look lived in.

Alarms: Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice. There are many systems on the market – at a range of prices. Even having an alarm box on your wall will make a burglar think twice.

Postcode your property: In only 9% of cases where something is stolen is property returned. Marked property can deter burglars because it is harder for a thief to sell it on and can help the Police to return it if found.

Insurance: Are you fully insured? Insurance will relieve you of the financial worry of replacing stolen goods. Many insurance companies offer reduced premiums for people with good home security systems.

Police: You need to report a burglary to be able to submit a claim to your insurance company. All Police forces have officers trained in crime prevention. Contact your local Police station or Victim Support Scheme for advice. Some forces can arrange surveys of your home or business premises and recommend security improvements.

Click here to find out how to contact Victim Support Croydon.