A property equipped with basic security system is far less likely to be burgled than one without

(18/11/2009)

The Homeoffice.gov.uk website offers a detailed breakdown of the types of houses burgled, the level of income of the owners, burglary "hot spots" and a host of other unpleasant but interesting information.

The good news is that burglaries remain at relatively low levels throughout the UK according to all available statistics but every one is still very bad news indeed for those unfortunate enough to have their house or works premises entered unlawfully and property stolen.

Commenting on the statistics, Mark Tibbenham, Managing Director of Lancashire based GJD, said "Whilst statistics can be made to prove almost anything certain facts remain unquestionably valid. Amongst these is the sanguine fact that many burglaries occur by the villains entering the property through unlocked doors or unclosed windows during the day as a direct result of the house owners simply forgetting the most basic security rules. Extremely embarrassing for them, as is the fact that their insurance may be invalidated or any payments made in respect of the theft of valuables considerably diluted."

Reflecting on some of the other facts apparent in the statistics Tibbenham went on to state, "Perhaps unsurprisingly, independent of the type and location of property burgled, entry through a door, whether locked or not and also independent of the mechanism fitted, remains the most popular approach with windows being the second preferred option. The fact that doors of all types are evidently forced open either quickly or with some considerable effort allowing full access means that some additional type of security is clearly needed to deter the average burglar. Mercifully it is here that the statistics do offer some considerable guidance."

"From the latest evidence covering the period 2007/8 a property with no form of security system is almost 11 times more likely to be broken into than one with just some modest form of security. The statistics don't reveal what defines "some" but one can imagine exterior movement activated lighting as being typical, supported in some cases by inexpensive "over-the-counter" alarms triggered by doors or windows being forced open. Interestingly, properties with what are defined as possessing high level security systems are 14 times less likely to be attacked than a property with no security, not a great improvement really on levels experienced in properties with only basic systems."

Summing up Tibbenham stated, "There can be little doubt that a property equipped with almost any type of additional security is far less likely to be burgled than one without, arguably especially so when the system fitted is highly visible externally in the form of lighting, detectors, an alarm box or CCTV cameras. Movement activated alarm systems nowadays are highly refined, easily fitted, inexpensive and offer very reliable performance. The obvious recommendation must be to fit at least something as a deterrent if you wish to reduce the chances of being burgled by a factor of ten or more."

Related topics:  CCTV system and accessories   Intrusion detection   Security lighting   Sensors and detectors 

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