Over the past two decades, there's been a significant rise in elderly, vulnerable adults living independently, largely attributed to the expanding range of elder care options available. Whilst it is important that everyone feels safe and secure in their home, many people do worry about becoming the victim of a burglary.
If you are living independently, you are the live-in carer of an older person or you are simply concerned that you may be vulnerable in your own home; the following are a few simple and largely inexpensive ways to protect yourself against burglars or scammers.
Door and Window Security
Think about having the following on your doors;
A good quality five-lever mortice deadlock
A night latch (traditionally called a Yale lock)
A cage on the letterbox to prevent anyone tampering with the locks via the letterbox
A peep-hole so you can check who is outside before opening the door
A door chain to help you screen unsolicited callers
And windows;
Window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and any upstairs which are easy to access, via flat roofs etc
Home Security Devices
Outdoor lighting can be an excellent deterrent;
Fit low-level lights which automatically switch on from nightfall until dawn are ideal, or
A motion detector light that switches on when it senses movement outside your home
Either will also make it easier for you to see if you’re coming or going after dark.
Visible burglar alarms will deter burglars and also warn of an intruder;
Get advice from the Safer Neighbourhood team at your nearest police station
Get more than one quote before choosing a reputable supplier
Ask your insurance company which alarm companies they recommend
Extra Deterrents
These are some things to think about when it comes to garages, sheds and side passageways;
Fit good quality doors and locks particularly to garages or sheds which are attached to the house and have internal access
Fit opaque windows so that thieves are unable to see any valuables inside
Don’t leave garage doors open for extended periods
Padlock side gates and make sure that gates and locks are solid
Keep your exterior doors free from overgrown shrubbery where burglars can hide from passers-by
Fences and Gates;
Check your fences are solid or plant prickly hedges or shrubs in front
Keep items like exterior bins away from fences where they could be used to climb over
Protect Your Valuables
Mark items with your postcode or house number to make them easier to identify and better yet, difficult to sell on in the first place. Your local Neighbourhood Watch or Safer Neighbourhood team may be able to help with this
You can register your valuables online for free at www.immobilise.com. This website enables the police to identify owners of lost or stolen goods
When You Go Away
Ask a family member, trusted friend, private carer or neighbour to keep an eye on your home for you
Never discuss your holiday plans or any other absences on social media sites or in public places
Cancel all regular deliveries such as milk or newspapers
Register with the Royal Mail Keepsafe service so that they keep your mail whilst you are away. The mail will be delivered upon your scheduled return. There is a small charge for this service
Plug one or two lamps, or even the TV or Radio, into timers so that the home looks occupied during the hours of darkness. Make sure the lights are not on all night though as this is a prime indicator of absence
Make sure that you always keep your building and contents insurance up to date
Should The Worst Happen
If you think your home has been burgled in your absence don’t enter the building unless you are certain the intruder has left
If you think there is any possibility that the intruder is still there – Dial 999 and ask for the police immediately. If you are sure they are gone call 101 to report the burglary
Make a list of any missing items and contact your insurance company to make a claim. They will want your crime reference number from the police
Change your locks as soon as possible
Cancel any stolen bank/credit/store cards
These are all simple steps to take, each one will add to your overall home security and hopefully will leave you feeling safe and secure in your own home!
With our full-time home care support, you will receive round-the-clock assistance tailored to meet your individual needs. Our dedicated live-in care team is committed to ensuring that you not only enjoy a high quality of life but also have the freedom to live as independently as possible alongside our living in carers, while retaining control and choice over your daily routines. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive and friendly 24-hour live-in care, allowing you to feel supported and empowered every step of the way.