How at risk are you?

Home Office Statistics published in 2007 using the British Crime Survey show that 726,000 domestic properties were the subject of burglaries during 2006/7.

Of these 425,000 homes were actually entered, while 301,000 were attempted robberies.

While the report states that domestic burglaries are falling that is still a lot of homes where the householders have lost valuable property and feel that their home is not the secure, personal place it once was.

There is nothing worse than the thought of someone going through your property and private things.

The statistics also show that properties with no security devices were 10 times more likely to be burgled than those homes which had taken steps to protect themselves, their families and property.

Homeowners are the most likely to fix good locks such as deadlocks on doors and windows, as well as other devices such as security lighting or alarms.

The report states “level of home security remains the key defence against burglary victimisation”.
 
Perhaps surprisingly it is the range of homes at risk, with terraced houses, flats and maisonettes seen as more vulnerable than detached houses. People on lower incomes and those below the age of 24 were also seen as more likely to be potential victims.

The reason for these statistics could be that the people judged most at risk may not have been property owners. But whatever your situation it pays to look at security measures.

The sight of an alarm box, the switching on of security lights when someone nears a property, or lights that are on constantly thereby eliminating places for people to hide - all contribute. As does the use of good deadlocking systems which can mean a delay in breaking in which an intruder doesn’t want - they want to be in and away in minutes.

Securing your home and family is a good investment.