UK police have released symbols that are used to mark houses and properties, indicating their burglary status. If you notice any of these symbols, either on or near your own or someone else’s property you should notify the police so they are aware of what’s going on.
These symbols first surfaced in 2015 but have been reshared to help raise awareness and keep homeowners safe.
Burglar Codes. We were passed this image by a member. Look on your street or others. Inform the Police. pic.twitter.com/7o1RYMNW8B
— GMB Pro Drivers (@GMBProDrivers) February 13, 2015
1. Neighbourhood Watch
It’s always a good idea to be a part of Neighbourhood Watch, but if you’re not it might still be worth asking a trusted neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your house while you’re away – you can always offer to do the same for them in return.
When you’re on holiday there are several small indicators that suggest you’re absent from the house, such as a build-up of post.
2. Social Media
It can be very easy to forget about home when you go on holiday and one of the first things most people do these day s is to share their experience with others on social media, posting status’ and photos of their picturesque locations.
However, tempting this may seem, it is much better to wait until your home to share your photos of the holiday you have just got back from rather than the holiday you are currently on.
Real-time holiday photos on social media can act as a clear indicator that someone’s house has been left unattended and therefore seems more inviting to burglars.
3. Home Gadgets
It’s a good idea to invest some money in the likes of cameras, lights and alarms to use inside and outside your home. These gadgets can act as a real deterrent to burglars; if they are choosing a house to burgle, they’re going to more likely to choose the less risky option.
With so many options to choose from now online, you don’t need to spend a fortune on the latest equipment. If you’d rather not spend money on home security cameras, why not buy an imitation / dummy camera instead – this way you won’t actually have any footage but at least the burglar won’t know the difference! You can even pick one up online now for as little as £2.50.
4. Make Your Home Look Lived In
Burglars are far more likely to make an attempt on a house that’s unoccupied which is why it’s important to try and make your house look occupied even when it’s not. Something as simple as a timer can be an effective solution. You can buy a decent timer for as little as £10 online. You can set your lights and TV to turn on and off at set times to make it appear as though someone is in the house.
5. Keep Valuables out of Sight
If you have any valuables in your home don’t leave them lying around near the windows or where people might see them easily. We’re not suggesting that you should lock your TV away in the cupboard every time you leave the house, but it is good practice not to leave your Rolex watch on the windowsill.
By keeping your valuables out of sight, you’re not tempting in any burglars that may pass by.
6. Avoid Easy Access Through Windows
There is only so much you can do to prevent someone attempting to get into your house through a window; not that it’s exactly a common occurrence! It is important to try and put precautionary measures in place to protect your home from unsavoury characters.
Sometimes just having spiky plants or shrubby beneath your window make the task of breaking in far more challenging.
We hope that some of these tips help keep your home safe.
