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How to burglar proof your home with tips from ex-thieves

From installing an alarm and a motion sensor light to no posting on social media, here's the checklist to make sure your home is not burgled while you are on holiday, created with the help of ex-thieves.

By Jenny Mcfarlane | 31 May 2018

From a recording of a dog barking and installing a fake CCTV camera to installing a deadlock, here’s how to secure your home against burglars with these ex offenders’ tips

black front door with black and white checked tiled steps

Image: Evelyn Paris on Unsplash

With recent burglary statistics rising by 9% last year, Bark.com, an online services marketplace, has spoken with two former burglars to create a comprehensive guide to help protect homes from break-ins this summer – and just in time for peak holiday season.

Kai Feller, co-founder of Bark.com, said, ‘No one likes to think about their home being burgled, but it is definitely something that should be considered before you go on holiday for a week or two. With peak holiday season coming up, we wanted to make sure everyone’s home is as protected as it can be. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do yourself to keep burglars away.’

In addition, Bark’s internal data has shown a 42% increase in demand for home security services, they’ve rounded up what else you need to consider before you pack up, hop on a plane and leave your home unattended for unwanted visitors.

From a recording of a dog barking and installing a fake CCTV camera to installing a deadlock, here’s how to secure your home against burglars with these ex offenders’ tips

black front door with black and white checked tiled steps

Image: Evelyn Paris on Unsplash

With recent burglary statistics rising by 9% last year, Bark.com, an online services marketplace, has spoken with two former burglars to create a comprehensive guide to help protect homes from break-ins this summer – and just in time for peak holiday season.

Kai Feller, co-founder of Bark.com, said, ‘No one likes to think about their home being burgled, but it is definitely something that should be considered before you go on holiday for a week or two. With peak holiday season coming up, we wanted to make sure everyone’s home is as protected as it can be. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do yourself to keep burglars away.’

In addition, Bark’s internal data has shown a 42% increase in demand for home security services, they’ve rounded up what else you need to consider before you pack up, hop on a plane and leave your home unattended for unwanted visitors.

Image: Evelyn Paris on Unsplash

Take passports and driving licenses away with you

Criminals can easily commit identity fraud with this information. It’s a modern-day crime that is less risky and growing in popularity.

Have a recording of a dog barking

A dog’s bark will make thieves think twice about breaking in. They’ll think that someone else is in the house or that the dog will attract unwanted attention to them.

Install a deadlock

The installation of a deadlock will make it a lot harder and time-consuming to pick a lock. In most cases, a burglar will move on when they realise they’re up against a deadlock.

Don’t post on social media

Too many people freely put information about their schedules on social media, which helps burglars when it comes to figuring out when to steal from a property. Check your home insurance policy too, as some may pay out less or not at all if you’ve published that you’re away on social media.

Keep on top of your gardening

If the lawn is freshly mowed, then burglars will question whether a house is in fact vacant. It also gets rid of any potential hiding spots. Burglars will watch houses for a few days to see patterns of the occupants so it’s a good idea to hire a gardener to come around whilst you’re away.

Install a burglar alarm/put a fake one up

This will deter any burglars from even attempting to break into your home. If you’re put off by the cost, sometimes just the sight of one will put a thief off so you don’t necessarily need to fork out for a real one.

Install CCTV/put a fake camera up

Like with burglar alarms, these don’t always need to be functioning. If a burglar is casing your home, they’ll likely avoid yours because of the increased risk of getting caught.

Make sure keys are hidden from sight

If someone can see keys from your window they’re more likely to break in. Keys will also give intruders access to other areas of your home, such as your garage, and your car.

Buy motion activated lights

These lights will come on when anyone comes near your property, making sure that burglars can’t break in without being seen.

Put WD-40 on your window sills

An unconventional but effective way to get rid of thieves trying to get in your home! The WD-40 will make it difficult for them to grip and use the window sill to climb into your home.

 

Have any home security tips to add? Tweet us @granddesignsmag or post a comment on our Facebook page.

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