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Despite the small chance of being a victim of burglary there are still around a million committed each year in the UK. The positive news is that this figure has fallen by since 1995 and In fact, your chance of being burgled is the lowest for 20 years. (2011)

Around 20% of all burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves getting in through an open door or window, so fit strong locks to your doors and windows and make sure you always keep them fully locked. Use window restrictors where possible and make sure locks are insurance approved.

However, if you are unfortunate to be a victim of burglary here is some useful advice we hope may help.

If you arrive home and suspect you have been burgled, do not enter the property. The burglar could still be in your house and a confrontation with a burglar could be potentially dangerous. It is best to dial 999 from a neighbour’s house and wait there until the police arrive.

Once the police have investigated the crime, it is essential to repair any damage caused by the forced entry and make all doors and windows secure again. It is advisable to call a locksmith and get your locks changed at the earliest opportunity. For a licensed locksmith please click here where you will find both MLA and ICL Locksmiths companies listed.

Unfortunately if you have been burgled once you are more likely to be a victim again. Burglars often return a second time to help themselves to newly replaced items, so make sure you increase security within your home. Get your locks changed and consider installing a burglar alarm. Wireless alarms are common place now and are easily installed DIY or by a security company.

Notify banks and other official institutions immediately if sensitive documents such as your your passport or birth certificate are missing, or if your bank cards, cheque books etc have been stolen. As well as the risk of having money withdrawn from your bank account, there is a real danger of thieves using these documents to steal your identity as well.

Get a UV marker pen and mark all your property with your postcode so that if stolen goods are recovered by the police they can be identified and returned to you. Contact your local locksmith or CPO Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station for up to date advice on products and services.

If you have jewellery that you do not wish to mark with a pen, take photos of it beside a ruler to indicate its size and keep the images somewhere safe. May be get it insured seperatley if expensive or rare.

We hope the advice above is of use and helps keep you and your property safe.

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