When most people think of October they associate it with pumpkin carving, ghost stories, and trick or treating. However, what you may not know is that October is National Home Security Month. With a burglary happening approximately every 40 seconds in the UK, it’s important to bring awareness to this static and ensure our homes are safe and secure. So, we will be taking a look at what makes Norfolk so safe and we will also be sharing our tips on keeping your home secure.
Luckily, the low crime rates in Norfolk make it one of the safest places to live in the UK and because of this, a very popular place to raise a family. In 2013 the Norfolk district of Broadland was named as Britain’s most peaceful place to live with only 8 violent crimes being reported across the 125,000 population that year. And it’s only getting safer with an annual drop of 8 percent in crime.
So what makes Norfolk so safe? First of all, Norfolk is full of both small and larger communities who are very engaging. This allows for information to be spread quickly across the county. This works as a giant ‘neighbourhood watch’ which helps to both catch and deter criminals. Norfolk also has both excellent schools and emergency services, and together they educate the thousands of students, sharing their knowledge on road safety, fire safety, first aid, and the dangers of alcohol and drug use. As well as this, there’s also many charities and organisations in Norfolk who help those who are vulnerable and in need of support. For example, The Mathew Project support people who have substance addictions as well as educating those who may be susceptible to substance abuse. Whilst The Benjamin Foundation helps young homeless people by offering accommodation, amongst other things. Norfolk also has a high quality of life, with approximately 75% of the population in employment. Our county was also featured in the Guardian as the happiest city to work in the UK, with 77% of people saying that they love their job.
However, even in the safe haven of Norfolk your home could be vulnerable to burglaries if you don’t take the necessary steps. Statically, the summer months see the highest number of burglaries as people spend more time out of their home, but burglaries still happen during the winter months, so taking these necessary steps is recommended.
Locks
Adding a mortise lock to your door alongside a cylinder lock (Yale) will be an instant deterrent for burglars as it not only secures your front door, but it also suggests that the rest of your property will have similar added safety features. Having visible locks on windows and gates/ sheds will also have the same effect on burglars. However, remember that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so use security screws with your padlocks so they can’t be easily removed.
Alarms
Many people see cheap alarm systems and dummy alarms as an equal equivalent to well-known branded alarm systems. However, burglars will be able to bypass cheaper systems and will easily spot a fake alarm box. So buying a system from a well-known security company is the best way to go.
Pets
There is often a misconception that a dog will protect your home from burglars. Whilst having a trained or generally protective dog will deter burglars, advertising your pets with signs and stickers, or pet accessories in view is a mistake. To a burglar, this means you most likely don’t use an alarm, and may also have easy access to your property via a cat flap.
Personal Information online and offline
We now live in a world where countless information is available online, and burglars are using this to their advantage. So think twice before showcasing your new flashy gadget or posting about your upcoming holiday on social media. Furthermore, if you’re selling your home with an estate agent, then photos will be taken and your property will be advertised online for all to see. So before the photos are taken, ensure that all your valuables, keys, and security features are left out of the photos, as burglars could use this to their advantage. Finally, be careful who you’re giving your personal information to, as a burglar with your landline number and your address will have an easy way to tell if your property is empty, simply by giving you a calling and hoping for an answering machine instead of an actual answer.
These are just a few ways you can protect your home from burglars and break-ins. If you think your property may be susceptible to a burglary then click here for more information on keeping your home safe.
If you’re thibking of buying or selling, or would like to know how much your home is worth, get in touch! We can be reached on 01603 300900 or by email: [email protected]. Equally, you can pop in and see us at Suite 7, De Vere House, 90 St Faiths Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1NE.
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