Guide to burglar-proofing your home

An good way to feel safe and secure in your home and maybe even reduce your home insurance costs, is to try and burglar-proof your property. Follow our simple advice to help protect your biggest investment.

Doors and windows
It might sound obvious but the most common way for a burglar to enter your home is through a window or door. Sometimes they don't even need to break in! If you leave a door or window unlocked, an opportunist thief can simply enter your house regardless of whether you’re in the house or not. Always make sure you lock doors and windows, even if you are in. Also ensure you have suitable window locks and the best door locks you can afford as this could help to lower your premium.

Alarms
A burglar alarm is a good deterrent if you are worried about being broken in to. It’s also a good way to reduce your insurance premium. Some insurance policies require your alarm to be regularly maintained and always in operation when you're out, so check your policy. An alarm can put opportunists off approaching your home so many homeowners choose to fit a dummy alarm (an empty box on an outside wall made to look like an alarm).

Lighting and CCTV
Security lights that react to movement are an easy to fit and a relatively cheap way of making your home less attractive to a burglar. If other people can see what is going on around your house it will help to make it safer. Security cameras are also useful, but good quality systems can be expensive.

Landscaping
The type of fencing and plants can also deter would-be burglars. Although a high fence and gate might make you feel secure when you at home, it also provides cover for intruders and trespassers, so think about it carefully. The types of plants, foliage or floor covering can also easily deter a burglar. Prickly bushes under windows and crunchy gravel on the drive may also make a difference between being broken into or not.

Some other ideas

•    If you buy new, expensive items don't leave the box right outside your house advertising your new purchase.
•    Try to make your home look occupied when you are away - ask a neighbour to open and close curtains, take deliveries in or park in your drive.
•    Supervise trades people who come to your home.
•    Don't put your home address on luggage labels.
•    Ask anyone who comes to your door for identification.
•    A thief will most likely choose the easy option; try to make your home the one they choose to avoid.

Read more in our home insurance guides or get a quote now.