Why students need insurance!
Getting a good insurer is key, with loss and accidental damage essential! Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. If your building looks unoccupied and insecure it's far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured:
side gates open
accessible windows open
ladders left out, allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows
garden tools available to force entry
untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural surveillance
Each of these makes access to the building far simpler and is an indication to the prospective burglar that it's worth a second look. They look to see if the occupants are at home.
Tell tale signs such as :
milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep
newspapers and mail in the letter box
unlit houses after dark
all windows shut in very hot weather - all tell the burglar that he is unlikely to be disturbed in the course of his work.
NEVER : leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - burglars know all the hiding places and prevent letterbox burglaries by storing keys away from the front door, and do not label your house keys in case you lose them and they fall into the wrong hands. Where possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows . Make it look as though your house is occupied by installing timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically. Have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your letter box or doorstep and encourage a neighbour to park on your drive. Finally - it sounds simple and your granny probably does it so take a leaf out of her book and if going out after dark, draw the curtains and leave some lights on and the TV on or a radio playing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article