Burglars will use a variety of ways to avoid being noticed.

They don’t want to be seen or heard by a neighbour or passer-by because they will feel exposed and identifiable.

Here’s some useful advice, on helping to keep burglars out by giving them no hiding place. 

Keep it visible

You’d think that it would be best to make a property less visible from the street, and to keep it hidden from prying eyes behind overgrown bushes, trees, high fences or walls. In reality, all that this serves to do is make it easier for a burglar to get close to a home unnoticed, and provide somewhere to hide while carrying out a burglary or theft from the property.

 

• Lower fences at the front around one-metre high are preferable to high fences as they allow for a clear view over the top and don’t provide cover for anyone wishing to hide.

• At the rear and sides, taller fencing is recommended to prevent easy access.

• Trellis, thorny plants, or a suitable anti-climb topping such as plastic spikes make it difficult for anyone climbing over a fence or gate.

• Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier.

• Gravel driveways and paths will make sure you hear anyone approach.

Other ways to make it difficult for burglars

CCTV

By using well-defined boundaries as a basis, CCTV can be a valuable tool. However, it doesn’t prevent a crime from being committed and does have limitations.

CCTV linked to a smartphone will alert you to someone crossing your boundary. 

Most importantly, CCTV is no substitute for good quality physical security such as secure doors and windows.  

Some cameras work by day and by night, and record when they detect movement. Some can be remotely viewed from a smartphone.

Position cameras where they are best able to obtain good quality facial images. Could you recognise or identify someone from the footage?  

There is legislation for home CCTV use, so always seek advice from an accredited installer first to ensure your system complies with the law.  

Place signage up warning that CCTV is in use.