Crime Prevention Products Advises Good Home Security for a Safe 2010

With crime figures generally on the rise in the UK, security specialist Crime Prevention Products advises the public to look at their homes from the perspective of an intruder and take note of available deterrents to keep their homes and valuables protected.

The majority of burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves - they will seek out weak points in a property such as an easily opened door/ window or an unlocked tool shed/ garage. It is important for people to identify these weak points and implement Home Security measures to deter criminals from gaining access.

As one of the most common forms of entry for an intruder, doors can be safeguarded though a variety of devices such as classic door chains and restraints so that it cannot be fully opened without consent, door viewers to enable scrutiny of callers without them knowing it and complex electronic devices such as keypad door alarms sound the alert when a door is opened.

Windows are the second most common way for a thief to break into a home. The simplest form of security for this entry point is the window lock which fits discreetly onto a window to prevent it from being opened until unlocked by the accompanying key. Window alarms can range from very simple devices that detect when the window is being opened to window alarms that are triggered by vibrations when the window is tapped or broken.

Another deterrent is lighting - use of infrared sensors on outside lights are off-putting to an intruder as the sensor switches the light on for a few moments after detecting something in its range.

Wireless burglar alarms are recommended for effective home security – as well as alerting people and their neighbours that an intruder may have gained access, even the sight of their external siren is usually enough to make burglars think twice.

Terry Rattee, owner of Crime Prevention Products comments, "Home security measures are crucial for peace of mind in keeping a property safe from intruders. We advise the public to take this seriously – there are some very affordable solutions available and people also need to consider that prevention is cheap compared to the financial and sentimental loss you could suffer from theft of your valuables. The mentality of 'it won't happen to me' is a dangerous gamble."

As most burglaries occur when a property is empty, Crime Prevention Products gives the following home security advice when going away:

· It is a good idea to ensure that a house appears to be occupied even when residents are not there. The use of timer switches to turn on lights and appliances automatically can make an intruder think someone is in.

· Keep valuables out of sight from passers who may look through windows and from intruders if in the house. The use of safe cans or safe books can be enough to ensure that an intruder doesn't find small valuable items such as car keys, cash and passports.

· Don't verbally advertise an impending absence from the house such as talking about holiday plans in shops or in a busy office.

· Have a friend or trusted neighbour look after the house when away. Ask them to collect post, draw curtains and other small tasks so it appears that the house is occupied.