Beat 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 door or window. It only takes a matter of seconds for an opportunist to sneak in so, if you are not using a particular room or are in the garden, make sure you close and lock all unattended windows and doors.

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 by breaking glass?     

Click on one of the links in the left hand menu for advice and simple precautions that won't cost you a fortune but will make your home more secure and give you greater peace of mind. 

And remember: if you do return home to find you've been burgled, don't go in or call out, because the intruder could still be inside. Instead, go to a neighbour’s to call the police. 

Did you know that if you have been burgled you could be entitled to basic security equipment, such as locks on windows and doors fitted for free in your home? For further details, including who to contact, download the "How secure is your home?" leaflet at the bottom of this page.

The Home Office has produced a guide to securing your home against burglary. The guide includes advice on how to secure your home, garage and shed, what to do when you go on holiday, burglar alarms, postcoding your property, avoiding distraction burglary and advice on what to do if you are a victim of burglary. This is available online at http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/cpghs.htm (opens in a new window) or you can download a pdf copy at the bottom of this page.

Useful Links:

www.burgled.com (opens in a new window)

Home Office Crime Reduction Website (opens in a new window) 

Derbyshire Police Safer Homes (opens in a new window) 

Trustmark (opens in a new window)