Burglaries and break-ins seem to be easy enough to avoid — just lock your doors and windows, and maybe invest in an alarm system, right? As it turns out, burglaries are becoming more sophisticated with a degree of expertise that will certainly surprise you.

Here we look at some common strategies of burglars, dispel some myths and look at how you can defeat them.

They utilise a code that is only known to them

A thief’s concealed code might be just outside your door right now! These hidden messages are placed on or near your property to offer criminals a wealth of information. Look for any chalked signs on or around your property pointing to your house and valuables as a possible target. While you’re doing it, consider how you’d break into your own house if you had to. What are the weak points in your security and what can you do to strengthen them? If nothing immediately comes to mind, the Police Scotland website has a wealth of information.

They aren’t at all what you expect

Surprisingly, true criminals do not go about their job dressed as stereotypical burglars with hooped jerseys and black masks. What do thieves really put on? They usually dress normally, enabling them to claim innocence or blend in if they have to escape the area and avoid suspicion.

Burglaries are more likely to occur during the day

They are most common between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, when your house is most likely to be empty.

You might know them

This is a frightening one. A substantial percentage of burglaries are committed by someone who knows the victims or lives in the neighbourhood. Knowing or viewing the inhabitants’ homes helps them to determine the potential worth of your goods, predict when you are in or out, and pick an access point rather than randomly selecting a residence.

Repeat offenders

It’s not unusual for criminals to target the same residence many times. Criminals are often aware that your homeowner’s insurance will pay the losses, making your house open for theft again.

Leaving a single light on

Leaving a light on to make it seem as though someone is at home actually indicates to experienced burglars that you are really out, since we seldom forget to switch our lights on and off. Set your lights to turn on and off on a timer instead. To make it even more believable, a radio may be added to the mix. If you’ll be gone for a long time, make sure someone you trust opens and closes the curtains. Devices are also available that mimic a TV being left on in the house (but minus the big electricity bill).

How to discourage housebreakers

A good lock is nice, but a good lock on a nice door is far more desirable.

Frequently, homeowners will purchase a high-priced lock but fail to consider the strength of the existing door. If robbers know you’re not home, they’ll easily force the door open with a crowbar or by just kicking it in. Check to see whether both your doors and locks are up to the task.

Install a high quality burglar alarm

An alarm is a powerful deterrent that deters the vast majority of burglars. A window sticker or signage that highlights the security precautions you have in place will makes prospective criminals think twice about attempting to break in and look elsewhere for an easier target.

At Ultimate Alarms we believe that a monitored home alarm is the best way to deter burglars especially when combined with CCTV security cameras.

Purchase motion-activated security lights

Not only are they useful for when you get home late at night, but they also make robbers think twice about breaking in since the possibilities of being spotted by your family members or neighbours are substantially increased by security lighting.

Measures when you’re away

When you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, such as on vacation, Make sure a trustworthy neighbour or family member is informed so they can periodically check on your property. Make sure that any mail subscriptions, as well as milk deliveries, are halted or picked up by someone you trust. Mail or milk that hasn’t been collected is a sign that no one is at home. If you have a trustworthy neighbour, having them park their vehicle in your driveway is a good idea.

Keep outbuildings secure

This one may seem self-evident, but keep any tools, ladders, sports equipment or other items locked and out of reach of unwelcome visitors when they are stored in garages, sheds or garden rooms. Providing potential burglars with a method of access to your home or valuable equipment is never a smart idea.

The aforementioned suggestions are helpful, but for true peace of mind, consider upgrading your security with a smart alarm system. Whether it’s CCTV, motion sensor alarms, or control panels, we’ve got you covered. Explore the web to select the best security solution for you and your loved ones.

Secure your property with a monitored alarm from Ultimate Alarms

To get the best monitored alarm system suited to the specific needs of your property you need to consult a professional installer. Ultimate Alarms is here to make it all simple for you – we have the knowledge and the experience to advise you on the right options for you. Our experience of working with professional UK-based monitoring company – Cougar Monitoring – means that we can specify and fit the right system for your family’s needs – including personal attack alarms and medical alert alarm options.