Crime prevention and home security
Many of us may feel more vulnerable to crime and scammers as we get older, even in our own homes. But there are plenty of things you can do to feel safer and put your mind at ease.
How can I make my home more secure?
Securing doors and windows
To help prevent crime and deter burglars from entering your home, it’s a good idea to secure your doors and windows.
You can fit your front door with the following:
- an automatic rim latch lock (also called a nightlatch)
- a five-lever mortice deadlock
- a letterbox cage to prevent thieves from tampering with locks through the letter box
- a door peephole to check who’s outside before deciding whether to open the door.
A door chain can help you screen doorstep callers, but avoid leaving it on all day because this can stop family, carers or emergency services from getting into your home if they need to.
You could also fit your back door with a five-lever mortice deadlock.
It’s a good idea to fit any windows that are easy to reach, such as downstairs windows or those above a flat roof or near a drain pipe, with locks. Make sure to keep window keys in a safe place, out of sight and reach to anyone peering in, but somewhere easy to get to in case of an emergency.
When getting your doors and windows fitted with locks, it’s a good idea to check whether they’re an approved member of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA).
Search the Master Locksmith Association directory to find approved members
Home security devices
Home security devices can help prevent crime and provide additional home security.
- Outdoor lighting acts as a deterrent to burglars and makes it easier for you to find your way into and out of your home. You can install a low-level light that automatically switches on from dusk until dawn, or you can get a light that switches on when it senses movement outside your home.
- A visible burglar alarm acts as a deterrent to burglars and warns you of any intruders. Ask the Safer Neighbourhood Team or the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station for advice before you buy an alarm.
Find your local Metropolitan Police officers using this online directory
Some home insurance companies will lower your premium if you have additional security devices installed.
If you’re considering installing a burglar alarm:
- ask the Safer Neighbourhood team at your nearest police station for advice
- get at least three quotes and specialist advice from alarm companies
- ask your insurance company which alarm companies it recommends
- get professional help to install the alarm.
Securing garages, sheds and passageways
It’s important to secure any garages, sheds and passageways outside your home to prevent crime.
Garages and sheds often contain expensive tools, some of which a burglar could use to break into your home. Make sure that garage doors are solid and fitted with good locks. Always keep garage windows and doors locked, particularly if your garage is attached to your house with a door leading inside.
Padlocking any side gates and installing a strong fence can deter burglars and stop them from entering getting into your house through the garden.
Gravel driveways and paths may also deter burglars, because they make it harder for burglars to approach silently.
Protecting valuables
Think about marking your possessions with your postcode and the number of your house or flat. This deters burglars because it makes stolen property harder to sell. Also, if your valuables are stolen, the police are more likely to find them if they’re marked.
You can register your valuable possessions online for free on the Immobilise Property Register. This website helps police identify owners of lost or stolen property.
Ask your local Neighbourhood Watch or the Safer Neighbourhood team at your local police station for help with marking possessions.
What should I do if I go on holidays?
Taking some simple precautions before going on holiday can prevent crime to keep your home safe and give you peace of mind while you’re away. These include:
- asking a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your home for you
- avoiding discussing your holiday plans on social media
- cancelling your regular deliveries (it’s easier to tell that you’re away if there are parcels or newspapers on your doorstep)
- registering with the Royal Mail Keepsafe service which stores your post securely while you’re away and delivers it to you after you’ve returned home (there’s a charge for this service)
- plugging a lamp into a time switch that will automatically turn on in the evenings (but make sure not to leave it in a room that passersby can see into when the light’s on)
- checking your building and contents insurance is up to date.
What should I do if I get an unexpected doorstep caller?
You should only let someone into your home if you’re absolutely sure that they’re genuine. Any genuine person will have ID that they won’t mind showing you. You don’t need to open the door for them and if you feel uneasy, you can always ask someone to come back another time.
Be wary of bogus callers who try and trick their way into your home by pretending to be someone they aren’t, whether this is a meter reader, police officer, council official, or an ordinary person needing help. You can ask the person to come back another time when someone you trust will be with you.
If you’re worried about a doorstep caller, dial 999 and ask for the police.
What should I do if I’ve been burgled?
If you think you’ve been burgled when you arrive home, don’t go inside unless you’re sure the intruder has gone. Dial 999 and ask for the police straight away. If you don’t need an emergency response, call 101 to report the burglary.
If you’ve been burgled, try and do the following:
- make a list of any missing items
- inform your home insurance company and consider making a claim (they may ask for a crime reference number which you can get from the police)
- change your locks if any keys have been taken
- cancel any stolen bank cards.
Victim Support gives free practical and emotional support to people who have experienced crime, whether or not you report it to the police.