Before you set off on vacation it would be prudent to make some very simple arrangements as a precaution against burglaries, says Menasche Scharf
The recent spate of robberies in and around North and North West London was well publicized, but many others take place without ever being reported, so this is even more reason to be vigilant.
Be sure, that yard gates and other such locations are closed; many burglars prefer a place where very easy access is provided-opening and closing a gate takes time, attracts attention, makes noise, and the like.
Don't leave a note saying when you will return and make sure you close the garage door when leaving (lock it too).
Padlock your garage (it is a good entry point for burglars).
Do not leave ladders outside the house; they are perfect devices for entry.
Mark expensive clothing and furs with indelible ink, showing your driver's license number or some other identifiable mark.
Lighting
Outside: light up the side of the house, back and front and garage area with nightlights; few homes with such lighting are ever "hit".
Get an outdoor light with a sensor that comes on when someone's around.
Inside: leave at least one light on (plus a bathroom light); do not pull the shades or curtains when not at home.
You can get timers for your lamps and ceiling lights. Don't just light up the hall. You can light up the landing, bathroom, bedroom and living room too. If you vary the times each light comes on, you give the impression that you're in.
Locks
Do not buy any cheap locks - they are hardly worth the risk.
Use dead-bolt locks (especially the ones that require a key); or use sliding barrel locks; use crossbars and hasp locks on garage, cellar and other such doors.
Check your door hinges . . . if the pins are on the outside, change them to the inside (or to non-removable ones) to prevent a burglar from removing them to open the door and get in.
Make sure locks are away from windows (to prevent the window from being smashed and the burglar reaching in to unlock it).
Don't put your name or address on the key case you carry; if lost or stolen, change locks regardless of whether you had your name or address inside the case.
Basement/Cellar
Windows are many times left open and are an easy place to enter a home or apartment building. Close and lock them at all times!
Doorway: make sure the door to any other part of the apartment building or to the basement, garage or fire escape is adequately locked just as solidly and securely as the front door.
Remember: it does little good to have good locks on the front door and poor locks elsewhere.
Walls and Fences
High fences are hard to climb, but they give a burglar cover once he's over. Keep them low, if you can. The best fences have a trellis on top – it makes them harder to climb.
Keep the shrubbery trimmed away from windows and keep it trimmed to a low height; they are excellent places for someone to hide and not be seen when committing their dastardly deed.
Sound
You can use a timer for a CD or cassette player. Choosing a talking record (rather than a music one) is a good idea.
Curtains
Get a trusted neighbour to open and close your curtains if you're away.
Remember... If suspicious - ring the police
Last and most importantly: Use COMMON SENSE - if you are suspicious, don't take chances!
