Have you, or someone you know, ever been a victim of a burglary? Sadly it is a common crime. This Rattan Direct home and garden security article states that statistics show there were 390,144 reported cases in the UK between July 2016 and June 2017 alone, and as many as 1 in 7 homes have been subject to a theft from their garden in recent years. These are worrying figures. However, there are several security actions you can take that deters potential burglars and try to prevent this type of crime…
Fences and Entry Points
First things first. Make sure your doors and windows have adequate locks… and use them at all times! Also make sure your gate is securely locked, whether you are home or not, and the fence surrounding your garden is high quality and kept in good condition.
There are many types of home security cameras, for both indoor and outdoor use. Most are designed to be highly visible so they also act as a deterrent, but there are also some great hidden ones too. We personally have a combination of both! Some even sync with your phone so you receive instant alerts. Having a camera in the back garden as well as one covering the front of your home is sensible.
Again, there are several types of alarm. As well as a standard burglar alarm, there are motion sensor alarms that can detect anyone who tries to enter a window. Some door alarms spot intruders by recognising those who are approved to enter and alerting to the presence of anyone else as soon as they enter the property. In many cases a silent alarm is sent straight to the home owner without the perpetrator even realising, making it far more likely they will get caught, especially if this approach is coupled up with cameras too.
Even though many burglaries happen during daylight hours, making sure your garden is lit at night helps stop trespassers being able to hide in the shadows so deters opportunists. Many security lights are solar powered and therefore are eco friendly whilst still offering security. Alot have motion sensor settings, which means you or a neighbour are likely to notice the light go on and check it out. For example, check out this motion sensor solar operated outdoor security light by Amtech.
This Amtech security light is motion sensor activated and detects movement up to 3 metres away so, in my opinion, covers a reasonable distance. It has a powerful solar panel and rechargeable battery. Unlike the previous model we purchased, this newer model is fully weatherproof so is durable no matter where it is fixed. It also has two settings so you can decide whether you want it fully on. It also comes with a 3 year guarantee. I feel it is excellent value at £15.95. Buy it from Amazon here.
Keep valuables out of sight and/ or locked up. Remember this also includes garden furniture. And think about pets too! Padlock tool or storage sheds and pet enclosures with heavy duty locks. Bolt down expensive items if possible, and cover them over. Make it difficult and noisy to unlock, uncover, open or move so it is more likely to attract attention if anyone tries.
Also leave car keys away from windows and doors. This is not only due to the fact that there is a higher risk of someone stealing them if they can be spotted by opportunists or because the thief knows they can be in and out easily unseen in no time. It is also because there are some technology devices that use the signal to unlock the car if the key fob is in range. So keep keys somewhere safe!
You can find more home security tips in this previous post I wrote too.
Whilst all this might seem excessive, especially if like us the contents of your home and garden are not even particularly valuable anyway, it also offers peace of mind and a sense of security for all the members in your family too.
*Disclosure: This post is written in collaboration with Rattan Direct. It also contains affilliate links. Amtech gifted the security light for this post. All opinions are my own.Â