How to Stop Burglars – 5 Top Tips

Did you know that it takes an average of 8 months to feel safe in your home after a burglary? In many cases, this distress can be avoided completely with a few simple steps that stop burglars targeting your home.

Of course, in an ideal world, you’d be able to live your life freely without worrying about the risk of being burgled. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In this post, we’ll discuss how to stop burglars before the worst happens.

1. Bite the CCTV bullet

We know what you’re thinking – CCTV can be expensive. But it’s worth its weight in gold when it comes to stopping burglars. In a survey of former burglars, CCTV was revealed as the most effective deterrent.

Additionally, we can almost guarantee that you’ll invest in cameras after being burgled to give yourself peace of mind. Why not close the stable door before the horse bolts, instead?

2. Always set your alarm

Alarms are a similar visible deterrent that show burglars your home isn’t an easy target. While most homes have them installed, not everybody uses them – and it’s so easy to become complacent. Take the time to set your alarm whenever you leave your house. Remember, it only takes a few minutes for burglars to get in and out!

3. Avoid the vacant look

Above all else, burglars are looking for an empty home. To put them off, you want to keep your home looking active and ‘lived in’. You can do that with some simple things on a day-to-day basis, like leaving a light on. Or even better, the TV or radio.

However, it’s even more important if you’re away from home for a long period, like a holiday for a weekend, week or longer. In this case, you might need a bit of help to avoid the vacant look. Get a friend, relative or neighbour to pop round and:

• Put the bins out for collection (or bring them back in)
• Leave their car on your drive
• Open and close curtains
• Clear your mailbox or letterbox

4. Keep valuables out of view

As well as easy target, burglars like to know what’s on offer. They don’t want the risk and effort of breaking into a house for little or no reward. As such, be sure to keep valuables out of view to stop burglars targeting your home. Don’t leave jewellery, wallets, phones or laptops on display.

That’s especially true for car keys, which are the ultimate smash-and-grab for burglars. As well as being hidden from view, keys should be kept in a Faraday pouch if your car has keyless entry – as a growing number of criminals are hacking into car key signals to steal vehicles, without even breaking in!

5. Report any suspicious behaviour

Last but certainly not least, make sure you report anything you do see. Whether it’s somebody lurking outside the window of an empty home or the whereabouts of a wanted burglar, Crime Stoppers Bermuda allows you to make an anonymous tip that could be invaluable to the police.

Use our online form or phone 800-8477 to help stop burglars and keep your community safe.