There are always going to be crime but you can help to ensure your house is not the victim of it by taking some easy steps which will make your house less attactive to potential thieves.
There are many excellent burglarproof locks and window catches on the market,
which make it more difficult for burglars to force their way in.
All internal doors should also be fitted with a lock or bolt, which should be used at night or at any time when the house is empty. It is quite a simple matter to have a burglar alarm system installed and smaller alarms are now available for use in one room only. Wall safes can be installed to safeguard jewellery etc., and range in price from a hundred pounds to a lot more, depending on the size required.
Every householder should make a point of taking out an insurance against burglary and housebreaking or see that his general Home Protection policy
covers this risk. Here are some basic precautions to take:
1. When you are out, do not leave doors unlocked or fan-lights and windows open, especially downstairs ones or those which can easily be reached by means of a garage or shed roof. Remember that a large proportion of entries take place at the back of the house, out of sight of neighbours or
passers-by so take special care with back windows, etc.
2. See that no ladder is accessible - it is a good plan to padlock a ladder to the wall or shed.
3. If you are away from home, do not leave any obvious signs, such as notes for the tradesmen or neighbours, uncollected newspapers, dust covers over the furniture etc-; do not draw the curtains. Arrangements can be made for the local police to check your house while you are away ; it is a wise plan also to inform neighbours of your absence. Any small valuables such as jewellery and silver should be left at the bank if the house is to be empty for more than a week or so.
4. Secure all doors and windows (removing the keys from the locks) but do not lock desks, etc., for if thieves do enter, they may badly damage furniture in breaking it open.
5. Would-be burglars sometimes try to check up beforehand by ringing up the house, pretending they have got a wrong number if they are answered, so
tell the police if you get a spate of such calls.
6. Remember that ordinary policies do not cover theft of cash, which should be banked rather than being left about the house.
