How To Make Your Castle Unattractive To Burglars

There’s a saying that goes ‘a home is a man’s castle’ - but without the drawbridge, patrolling guards and moat. Your home isn’t built like a fortress, but you still need to make it an impenetrable building to intruders. By intruders we mean burglars. And by impenetrable we mean completely unattractive without making your home look ugly. You want to feel safe in your home, no matter what time of year it is, or even if you’re in the country. So, how do you do it?

Camera, Lights, Action!

Light up the area around your house like it’s a Broadway musical, with the burglar alarm ready to belt out the opening number, and the security camera set to broadcast the performance of bumbling thief to cops everywhere. And don’t be shy about it. If your security measures are easily visible, then any potential thief is going to think thrice before making an attempt on your home.

Surprise!

You know that odd neighbour that pops round with a ‘cooee’ and a lasagne at random points during the day? You need to encourage that behaviour - just, perhaps, with friends and family. If your home is seen to have people popping in and out at all times, with no discernable pattern, there will be a window of opportunity for a burglar to make his move.

Zip, Padlock, Throw Away The Key

Or pop it in your pocket - you don’t want to lose that. Having multiple locks on your doors is a great idea, just make sure that you’re not locking yourself in if an emergency happens. A sliding or turning deadbolt is always going to be the better option than one that requires a key. You want to keep thieves out, but you need to get out there too if there’s a fire.

A Hairdresser’s Inch

You know when you go for a haircut and just want a tiny bit off the bottom of your waist long hair, and you end up with a bob? Well, use that enthusiasm on your garden shrubbery. An overgrown garden can provide a multitude of hiding places, so make sure that everything is trimmed back and tidy in the front and back - no garden mullets allowed.

Going In The Backdoor

Is precisely what a burglar will try if he sees a weakness there. Just because there’s a fence separating you from the street does not mean that you can go lax on your security. Use the same techniques you use on the front of your house for a well-rounded system.

Good Neighbours Become Good Friends

It’s sad how many people won’t get that reference… However, it’s very true. When you jet set across the globe to sip martinis at the Eiffel Tower, have a friendly neighbour pop in at check on your house, they can also remove the tell-tale signs or your absence, like the pile of letters on your porch. And when you are at home, it’s never a bad thing to have another set of eyes looking out for you. If something a bit dodge is happening at one end of the street, a simple message in a group chat will have everyone aware and looking out for trouble.