Statistics show that there is reasonable need to worry about the high level of burglary in the UK. Technically, a burglary occurs every 40 seconds. Consequently, several tactics to deter thieves and housebreakers are being devised. One of these tactics is the CPTED, aka Crime Prevention through Building Design, because, yes indeed, burglars are not unlike any other rational individuals who tend to assess the risk of any activity. Criminals are thus discouraged to access a building with a high probability of being caught- rather than the degree or punishment- even if the probability of gain is high. Hence, the design of a built environment can certainly be a determining factor in its resistance to burglars. The following measures are worth considering to make your building design burglar-proof:

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The above photos display RSG1200 Security Grilles fitted to the rear fire escape of an office in London, without compromising the fire escape regulations of this particular building. For more information about similar security products, please visit RSG Security Shutters and Grilles.

Safety is a priority and everyone’s responsibility-this is enforced in the UK by the creation and implementation of Building Regulations. Building work in the United Kingdom should comply with the Building Act 1984 and the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, which set out the Building Regulations for the UK. Building regulations seek to ensure that the related policies are fulfilled and a Building Regulations approval is generally required for such work. These regulations include 13 sections, which are accompanied by Approved Documents stipulating the legislation and means of satisfying the Regulations.

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Victims of acquisitive crime have often remarked their incidents being kept under the police’s hat. In spite of obvious evidence and eyewitness, the crime is not investigated. This contradictory situation comes about due to the process of investigation. All crimes undergo an initial assessment, which will be followed by a secondary investigation only if that crime is worthy of that investigation. This depends on the crime’s ‘detectability’ and the evidence gathered from CCTV or otherwise. Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said only the “most serious crimes” and those that have a high likelihood to “produce evidence of the offender” can be dealt with due to an overwhelming amount of reported crimes. In fact, while police do respond to Personal Crimes such as homicidal and rape, they tend to give little precedence to Property/Acquisitive crimes including burglary.

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Warm spring days make open windows irresistible -especially to burglars. But closed windows do not represent a barrier to these cunning intruders anymore. They can easily use a rock or brick from your yard to break them. Although contemporary windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material, even double-glazed windows need security grilles for guaranteed security, as reviewed in our previous post. Buildings with single windows are even less resistant to damage and intrusion, as they are obviously not as thick and strong as the double-glazed ones. Hence, it is even more important to secure single glazed windows.

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The idea of protecting your property is usually limited to the main building. But the outdoor structures like sheds, garages, gazebos and greenhouses also form part of your property and are certainly not overlooked by burglars. Considering their flimsy structure, it is sometimes deemed better to leave a shed unlocked rather than have it seriously damaged after a forced entry. Obviously, this is not the best solution considering that you might as well be inviting intruders with a huge Welcome sign, encouraging them to leisurely empty your shed and target the main building next. Therefore, the security of your garden shed, which can be achieved through some straightforward steps, is of high priority.

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Double glazed windows are designed with the aim of providing a better barrier against outside temperatures compared to single paned windows, as the two layers of glass and the buffer layer act as insulators. They are made from two panes of glass that are separated by a layer of air or gas and then sealed. There are many of advantages of the double glazed windows, and their presence or addition is generally considered to increase the value of a home. The most significant advantage is their ability to conserve energy and reduce costly energy bills, since they keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They are also relatively low maintenance, offer better insulation against noise, and provide a measure of increased security, since each layer of glass is another barrier against intruders as your home security comes first after all.

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Lighting involves the use of artificial light (lamps and light fixtures), and natural illumination by capturing daylight through windows, skylights or light shelves. Proper lighting can improve task performance, enhance the appearance of an area, or even have positive psychological effects on occupants. Yet, an aspect for which lighting is equally important is home security, although many do not think much of its importance.

Statistics show that 56% burglaries happen at night. No matter how much you think you are the only one knowing your own house, burglars are either like those ninjas who can crawl around bushes and take cover behind bins or like the vampires who enjoy dark shadows or ‘blind spots’ and have the inherent know-how about staying unnoticed. Since dark areas tend to offer burglars the ideal hiding spot, the latter are rather good at the hide and seek game as they disappear with your belongings.

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Coping with the aftermath of crime victimisation has never been an easy feat. Robbery can be a traumatic experience and affects people differently. During a robbery you might not feel affected immediately, especially if you follow the necessary security measures as mentioned in Business Robbery Part 1. However, some victims may delay in reacting to the backwash of a robbery. So, it remains imperative that the necessary safety is taken into account and taken care of after a robbery.

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Although all sorts of preventive methods are devised to deter robbers, including the best and robust security measures, criminals still find a way to counter those. Therefore it is also necessary to prepare yourself in the event of a robbery. In order to minimise risk during such an incident, the following guidelines can be helpful:

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Just like burglars can access your house in the blink of an eye, it takes only a few moments for some easy steps to ensure the security of your family from housebreakers. In most cases, it is your own carelessness that invites burglars into your house, and making you their prey. After all, most burglars are opportunistic ones, that is, they only act upon an opportunity that they have been offered by none other than you. The following tips will allow you to review the trivial yet consequential things that can make change making you the easy target of burglars.

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