| Tips to Safeguard Your Home From Intruders |
Protecting Your Property
Make your moveable property unattractive to thieves by putting an identifying mark (such as
your date of birth and initials) on it. This will make it harder for the criminal to dispose of, and easier for the Gardai to connect it with its proper owners, if it is stolen and recovered. Contact your local garda station if you want to know more about property marking.
Good Neighbours Mean Safe Houses
The best means of crime prevention is a good neighbour someone wholl look after your
house when you are away and report any suspicious callers promptly. Forming a
neighbourhood watch scheme in your area is an excellent way to bring good neighbours
together. Some insurers offer discounts on your household insurance for such schemes.
Remember, if you see any suspicious activity in your locality, call the Gardai immediately.
What attracts the burglar?
- Unlocked windows.
- Open windows lock all windows whenever you leave home.
- Hidden keys dont leave your spare key in any of the obvious places, like under the mat
or through the post box. Why not leave it with a friend or neighbour instead?
- Post piling up - cancel newspapers and have a neighbour collect any post, or advertising
material, while you are away.
- Cartons of milk on the doorstep simply cancel your milk delivery until your return.
- Ladders or tools in easy reach lock away anything that would help a burglar gain access
to your home.
- Unguarded property lock it away in a garage or shed or keep it indoors.
- Easy access to the rear of your house fit a side gate with a lock.
- House lights on at the wrong times A timer device fitted to your lights will make your
house look occupied and deter the burglar.
Outside Lighting
Good lighting deters criminals. For domestic purposes, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
provide all-night lighting at very little cost. Light sensitive cells attached to the lamps mean you dont need to use switches or time devices. Halogen lights provide high intensity
emergency lighting and can be linked to an alarm.
Installing Intruder Alarms
Intruder alarms are strong deterrent to burglars. Over 90% of homes that are burgled do not
have alarms. Where homes with alarms have been burgled, over 70% of the alarms had not
been switched on. So, if you do have an alarm, REMEMBER TO USE IT. You may be
entitled to a discount on your household insurance if you install an alarm.
Article sourced from www.iif.ie |
