When it comes to selecting a security alarm, it can be difficult to know which one to go for since there’s such a wide range of systems available on the market. Identifying how burglars might try and enter your home can help you select the best security system to keep you and your property safe.

In this blog post we’re going to be taking a look at some of the most common methods that home invaders use to invade residential properties, and some of the best ways you can protect your property and prevent attacks on your home.

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There's an old adage that goes “a man’s home is his castle”. Your home may not literally be a castle, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't deserve to be protected.

With the spread of the coronavirus since 2020 there has been a decrease in home invasions and burglaries. However, even with this decrease there are still 267,000 burglaries in the England and Wales; that’s one burglary for every 217 people. These statistics might be intimidating, but there's no need to panic! There are many simple and efficient actions you can take protect your home and your peace of mind. One such action is to install a burglar alarm.

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Have you ever wondered how to protect your home from burglars? Here at IDS Security Systems, we have years of experience installing CCTV, burglar alarms and a range of other home security systems - so we have a great understanding of the threats that homeowners face. With that in mind, we've put together this article to show you 3 ways to protect your home from burglars. 

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If you're keen to keep burglars off your property, then it's useful to know how they choose houses to steal from. Homeowners are busy and can sometimes forget to follow simple house security rules. Back doors are left unlocked, downstairs windows are left open and spare keys are hidden in obvious places. In today's blog, we're going to take a look at some of the things that burglars consider when they're choosing houses to steal from so that you can make conscious decisions that will keep your house safe.

Location

The location of your house is crucial for burglars. If you live on a quiet street where burglars are less likely to be seen by neighbours or passers-by, then that's a huge bonus. Houses near main roads are popular targets for burglars too because they make it easy to have a 'get-away' car nearby for an easy exit.

Burglars will also look at the properties in a particular area to determine whether there will be things of a high value to steal. A 'posh' neighborhood might be chosen over a typically poorer area for example. Burglars might also look for houses with outbuildings and garages that might contain valuables, this means they won't have to disturb the main house where security systems are usually in place.

Access Points

Most burglars want to get in and get back out without being too conspicuous, for that reason, easy access points are very appealing.

When burglars are choosing houses, they're looking for doors and windows with vulnerable locks, back doors that may have been left open, and garage doors that might lead into the main house. 

Windows are also easy access points. You'll be surprised what burglars will do to gain access to your home. If they can squeeze their bodies through the tiny open window in your bathroom - they will! 

Signs you're away

Most burglars will look for obvious signs that you're out of the house when they're choosing a house to burgle. Being caught red-handed is not ideal, so they'll often wait until they're sure that you're off the property.

Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries take place during the day when it's more likely that you're away from the house working/running errands. 

Things that burglars look out for are:

• Dark houses without lights on
• Bins that have been left out for collection
• Unruly gardens that haven't been tended in a while
• No obvious signs of a security system in place

How to make sure burglars don't choose your house

(or make sure you can catch them if they do...)

We all wish that burglars won't choose our houses to steal from, but sadly, you can never be 100% sure. For that reason, we always recommend investing in a good security system that will both deter burglars and provide you with the evidence you need in case you need to track them down. 

Fitting an intruder alarm in your home is one thing, but combining this with a CCTV system or door entry system will provide you with the highest level of protection.

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Read More: Where Do Burglars Enter Your Home?

If you're interested in improving your home's security, speak to a member of the IDS team today. You can give us a call on 029 20 753 251.

If you want to protect your home and its contents, you need to know the common places that burglars target when they want to break into your home. Understanding which areas of your home are particularly attractive to burglars will help you create a fool-proof break-in strategy. 

Daytime or nighttime?

Despite our preconceptions of burglars roaming around in the dark, a large percentage of break-ins actually happen during the day between 9 am and 5 pm. Think about it - during the day, you're at work, the kids are at school and the neighbours are probably out for the day too.

While you might be thinking - "who in their right mind would rob a house in plain daylight?" It's actually a lot less suspicious for someone to be approaching or roaming around your house during the day.

They could be a maintenance worker, a delivery driver or even a friend who's popping over to let the dog out. Some burglars have even been known to turn up in a disguise or with dog treats at the ready to make entering someone's home as easy as possible!

Where do burglars enter?

Most burglars are not criminal masterminds and they want to get in and out of your property as quickly and easily as possible. For that reason, they'll target the most accessible points first! So, where do burglars enter? 

Doors

First things first, they'll try your front door or the back door to see if they've been left unlocked. If either of them is open they've got easy access to your home and can slip inside without looking suspicious at all.

First-floor windows

If the doors are locked, they'll usually look for downstairs windows that are slightly ajar. They might go around the back of the house to make sure neighbours and passers-by don't see them.

Garages

Unsurprisingly, garages are a popular target for burglars. Homeowners frequently forget to lock their garages, and if a burglar can make their way inside, they can grab a few valuable items like lawnmowers, power washers and tools with little trouble.

Sheds and outhouses

Burglars aren't good at walking away from places empty-handed. So, if they can't get into your house they might try and break-in to sheds or outhouses in your garden. Homeowners sometimes store bikes and other valuable items in there, even though the security of these spaces tends to be poor.

Signs that you're away from home

When choosing a property to burgle, they'll look for obvious signs that the property is empty. This includes things like:

• Parcels or letters that haven't been picked up
• Bins left out for collection
• Gardens that haven't been looked after
• Social media posts stating that people are on holiday/away from home
• Homes without security measures in place

Protecting your home

So, now that you know where burglars enter your home, and the signs they lookout for, you can think about the best way to protect your home. Here at IDS Security, we offer a comprehensive range on home security systems to help prevent a burglary. 

One of the simplest additions to your home to prevent burglaries is an intruder alarm. These will alert passers-by and (with our maintenance contracts) can be monitored around the clock!

For added protection, you could incorporate a CCTV system or door entry system. These will give you peace of mind that you can see and control who has access to your home even when you're away. Having a home security system installed is also a great way to deter burglars in the first place!

Read More: Home Security Tips

If you want to improve your home security, speak to our expert engineers. We can help you design a bespoke home security system that covers all of your house's vulnerable areas.

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