A break in can be a traumatic experience leaving you feeling exposed and anxious for your safety. But taking immediate action to secure your home will help calm your nerves and prevent future incidents. Here’s a step by step guide on how to secure your home after a break in.
1. Make the essential calls
Call the police to report the incident, they’ll issue you with a crime reference number. If your door or window are damaged, the next call needs to be a emergency boarding or emergency glazing specialist, who’ll secure the property.
2. Check the Damage
Whilst waiting on the boarding or glazing company and before they or you start making any repairs document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos and make a list of what was damaged or stolen. Contact your insurance company to report the break in and file a claim. They may also have specific requirements for documenting the damage.
2. Repair Entry Points
Check all entry points and secure them straight away. If the intruder broke a window or forced a door open replace or repair them as soon as possible. For windows consider installing shatter resistant glass or security film. Reinforce doors with stronger locks, deadbolts and door frames.
3. Upgrade Your Locks
Standard locks may not be enough to deter a determined burglar. Consider upgrading to high security locks or smart locks that offer extra features such as remote access and alerts. Deadbolts should have at least a one inch throw and be on all exterior doors.
4. Get a Security System
A full security system will give you both deterrence and peace of mind. Modern systems have many features including:
- Surveillance Cameras: Place cameras at key points around your home’s exterior and interior. Choose cameras with motion detection and night vision.
- Alarm Systems: A loud alarm will scare off the intruder and alert the neighbours. Choose an alarm system that connects to your phone and a monitoring service.
- Smart Home Integration: Integrate your security system with smart home devices for added convenience and control. You can control your security system remotely and get real time alerts.
5. Outdoor Lighting
Burglars like to work in the dark. Outdoor lighting can deter break ins. Motion sensor lights are particularly effective as they light up when someone approaches and alert you to potential intruders.
6. Secure Your Garden
A tidy garden can prevent break ins. Trim back bushes and trees near windows and doors that could provide cover for burglars. Install a fence or gate to make it harder to get in and consider planting thorny shrubs under windows.
7. Windows
Windows are an entry point for burglars. Lock them and consider installing window bars or grilles. For extra security use window alarms that trigger when the glass is broken or the window is opened.
8. Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are particularly vulnerable. Put a rod or dowel in the track to stop the door from being forced open. Make sure the lock is secure and consider a secondary lock.
9. Neighbourhood Watch
A community approach to security can work well. Talk to your neighbours and set up a neighbourhood watch. Communication and vigilance will prevent future break ins and community spirit. The Neighbourhood watch organisation has lots of resources and you can even find established local groups.
10. Review and Update Your Routine
Burglars look for predictable routines. Mix up your schedule so it’s not obvious when your home is empty. Use timers for lights and electronics to make it look like someone is home even when you’re away. You could use the plug-in timer plug socket or there are various smart lighting solutions that can be turned on a schedule or can be turned on and off remotely.
A break in is a traumatic experience but by taking action you can secure your home and feel safe again. Clean up the damage, fix what’s broken and invest in good security. That way you’ll not only protect your property but more importantly your loved ones and giving them reassurance and peace of mind.
Stay safe, stay secure.