To help you create your own ‘Safe Haven’, Lloyds TSB Insurance has spoken to some people over the age of 50 and compiled some top-tips to make your area more community-minded and to help you make your home as safe as possible.
How to build your own ‘Safe Haven’
Neighbourhood Watch – Get in touch with your local Neighbourhood Watch or set up your own scheme at www.neighbourhoodwatch.net
Meet the neighbours – Spark up conversation with your neighbours when you see them doing the gardening or returning from work to build up good relations. If you feel secure in their company, think about inviting them round for drinks or dinner to build up a friendship
Regular meetings – Get your neighbours together for regular meetings to discuss community matters and any safety fears you might have
Hedge your bets – Try to keep natural features of your property, like hedges and trees minimal to reduce the places where criminals can hide
Collection time – If you’re away, milk, newspapers and other deliveries left on the doorstep indicate your house is unoccupied so consider asking a neighbour to collect them for you
Light the way – Outdoor lights increase visibility for your neighbours and deter potential burglars. Both dusk-to-dawn lights and movement-activated lights are effective.
Tips to protect your own home
Lock up your home – Lock all doors and windows when leaving your property and remove any valuables away from windows where they’re easily spotted
Bright idea – Leaving lights on is an easy way to give the impression that your house is occupied. Fit time switches to the lights and radios in order to save on the electricity bill
Don’t be alarmed – A visible alarm will make a burglar think twice. Those connected to a monitoring service are best, but even a dummy alarm box can be effective
Caution is the key – Never leave spare keys in an obvious hiding place, for example under the door mat or in a flower pot. Don’t leave keys by a door or window where they are easily spotted and be aware not to label what the keys are; this will just tell the thief where to go
Think like a burglar - Put yourself in the burglar’s shoes and imagine trying to break into your own property. Look at potential points of entry and anything that gives the impression that your home would be worth breaking into, such as empty packaging of expensive goods
