How to prevent a burglary or break-in
Preventing burglary or break-ins involves implementing a number of measures which we outline in this section
It’s both yours and your tenants’ responsibility to keep your property secure and deter burglars, but there are a number of measures you should take before your tenants move in, to burglar proof your rental property.
According to the police, most break-ins occur when criminals forcibly gain access to a property through doors and windows.
This shows how important it is to make sure that all doors and windows are high quality and properly equipped with secure locks and fittings.
Avoid doors with large glass panels as they allow criminals to peer inside – and can easily be smashed and climbed through. We recommend using reinforced (preferably frosted) glass as it’s more difficult to break and will also prevent thieves from seeing inside your home.
You should also make sure that all entry points into your property are treated equally; it’s pointless investing in a top of the range burglar proof front door if your bathroom window is locked with a cheap latch that can be easily broken.
Deadbolts and locks cannot be prised open with a credit card or knife, so they’re well worth investing in. We recommend five lever mortice deadlocks where possible.
You should also think about installing window locks – especially on ground and first floors. These should be operated from the inside. If you have SMART or digital locks make sure you change the password regularly – certainly in between tenants.
Burglar alarms are an effective deterrent against intruders. If triggered, the alarm will notify people in the immediate area that the property may have been broken into.
Some alarm systems can also be set up to notify the police as soon as they are triggered.
Having an alarm system installed can also provide peace of mind for you and your tenants and a sense of comfort for your tenants when they leave the property unoccupied.
As an alternative, you could go for the more affordable option of investing in a fake alarm box.
These devices are models designed to look like functioning security alarms, giving the impression that the property has a full security system in place. However, they don’t actually provide any security deterrent beyond their appearance.
When it comes to securing your property, you shouldn’t overlook your garden. Whether it’s front, back or both, your garden is the gateway to your home. The more obstacles you create to deter burglars from targeting your property, the better.
If you have a front garden, make it as ‘noisy’ as possible; a noisy gravel path or a lockable front gate could make burglars think twice. Another way to deter burglars is with motion sensor triggered outdoor lights. Research shows that these types of motion sensor lights can make all the difference.
You should also think about keeping trees and shrubs well-trimmed. This will prevent burglars from hiding easily or using tall trees to access windows.
CCTV is not only an effective burglar deterrent, but it can also make it a lot easier to identify anyone who has broken into the property. The footage can be used as evidence to prosecute criminals once they have been detained.
If you are considering installing a CCTV system in your property, it is advisable to consult your tenants first.
While some may welcome the extra reassurance provided by this security method, others may feel that it is an invasion of their privacy.
As part of the moving in process, landlords should provide tenants with their contact details in case of an emergency.
Smart home systems have become a popular way to increase home security and there are a variety of devices that can be fitted into a smart home to give your tenants further peace of mind.
Smart devices can be set up throughout a property and managed through a mobile app.
For example, the Yale Smart Living system can include video cameras which give tenants a live feed of the outside of their homes, and can also provide alerts when someone is nearby.
While smart home technology can offer enhanced protection, there are some risks involved with using it.
Smart devices are susceptible to hacking and cyber-attacks, so make sure all your smart home devices are supported by reliable cyber security software.
Before considering installing a smart home system, we recommend consulting your tenant to make sure that they’re comfortable with living with the technology in their home.
Some of the best break-in deterrents to burglar proof your home are common sense traditional methods such as storing valuables out of view and making sure the windows are closed when the property is vacant.
