5 Ways to Prevent Burglary

A burglar wants three things: to get in fast, to stay unseen and to leave with something valuable. Every measure that makes one of those harder reduces the chance that your home is chosen. These five steps are simple, affordable and effective right away.

1. Replace a weak cylinder

The cylinder is the heart of your lock and, on many front doors, also the weakest point. Old or cheap cylinders are vulnerable to core pulling and snapping. An SKG*** cylinder with core-pulling protection has been tested against these methods. Does the cylinder stick out more than a few millimetres beyond the fitting? Then replacing it is even more advisable. Our locksmiths fit it without damaging your door.

2. Always lock the door with the key

A door that is only pulled shut rests on the latch. With a piece of plastic or a card, that latch can often be opened within seconds. So always turn the key to engage the deadbolt, even if you are only out briefly or at home in the evening.

3. Do not forget the back of the house

Everyone pays attention to the front of a house, but not to the back. Make sure the garden gate can be locked, put away ladders, bins and garden furniture that someone could climb on, and secure the shed. A back door deserves at least as good a lock as the front door.

4. Make your home look lived in

A dark house with a full letterbox is an invitation. Use timers on a few lamps, ask neighbours to collect your post and leave the curtains as you normally would during the day. Outdoor lighting with a motion sensor adds an extra deterrent.

5. Be careful with your keys

A spare key under the doormat or on a string behind the letterbox is the first thing a burglar looks for. Give a spare key to someone you trust instead. Lost a key, or not sure exactly who has one? Have your cylinders replaced. That is quicker and cheaper than dealing with a burglary.

How secure is your home?

Want to know where your home is vulnerable? Also read our detailed article Secure living. All our technicians are VCA-certified and work according to the Police Label Secure Housing (PKVW) guidelines.