In Cheshire, burglaries have dropped by 12.9% in the last five
years, which means there are now 592 fewer victims of burglary a
year than in 2005.
The county also has a crime rate which is below national
average. While this is good reason for you to feel secure in your
home, you should remain aware that criminals are opportunists who
will take advantage of any chance to steal from you.
It is important that you do whatever you can to deter burglars
from targeting your home.
Security checklist
Secure your home
Here’s a list of some of the things you can do to improve the
security around your home:
- If you are replacing or fitting new doors and windows, get ones
that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24-1
(doors).
- Fit mortise locks (Kitemarked BS3621) to all front and back
doors and locks to all downstairs windows or windows which are easy
to reach.
- Keep your house and car keys safe and away from doors and
windows.
- Fit a burglar alarm, but make sure it is installed properly and
works.
- Keep your garage and garden shed locked with proper security
locks, and keep any tools secure and out of sight.
- Trim back any plants or hedges that a burglar could hide
behind; and
- Make sure you have up-to-date home insurance.
When you're away
- Don’t leave your curtains closed during the daytime.
- Use timer switches to turn on some lights when it gets
dark.
- Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries when you go away.
- Ask a neighbour/family member to look after your
home.
Further advice and information
This section explains what happens if you become a victim of
burglary
This section explains what Home Watch is and how it can be used
to monitor what happens in your neighbourhood.
This section explains what distraction burglaries are and how to
report them.
This section explains what preventative measures can be
used to deter burglars, for example types of door and window
locks.
This section explains some preventative measures that you can
take to deter burglars, for example what lights to use.