Take steps to keep out the intruders

By CATHERINE MASTERS

Burglaries may be down but that is no reason to be complacent.

Even though figures for home and commercial burglaries fell last year by 10.7 per cent compared with 1999, 66,525 properties were still broken into or burgled.

The grief and feelings of violation that come with being burgled leave people devastated.

That irreplaceable stolen ring, which may be worth very little on the burglary market, is worth a lifetime of memories for some and when it is pinched it hurts like hell.

The video can be replaced but the mere fact that an intruder has been through the house leaves a nasty taste in the mouth that is hard to shake.

So why not try to make your house as burglar-proof as possible?

The police recommend getting friendly with the neighbours as one way to deter burglars.

Neighbourhood Watch has been around for years and is still an effective way to prevent burglaries, but the monitoring by neighbours is not enough on its own.

An alarm is not a total safeguard against burglars but it is considered by police to be one of the most effective crime-prevention tools.

They make a hell of a noise and burglars are much less likely to linger or gather up targeted valuables.

Deadlocks, bolts and locks should also be fitted to doors, ranchsliders and windows - as well as any alarm system.

Police policy forbids staff recommending security companies to install alarms but it offers basic guidelines on questions people should ask themselves.

These include:

Is the company reliable and reputable?

Is the alarm system of good quality and will it perform and fulfil the functions described by the salesman?

Is the price quoted reasonable for that system and comparable to equivalent systems in the market?

Will the system be installed correctly and professionally?

Is there provision for effective after-sales service?

The police also urge home-owners to be careful in choosing a company, because standards of quality, service and professionalism vary markedly.

Ask neighbours who have an alarm what they think of theirs and get quotes from at least three companies.

Do not be pressured by hard-sell tactics into signing a contract there and then.

Check how long the company has been in the marketplace - and whether it is likely to be around in a few years.

Preventing burglary is a serious business and the police take checking alarm companies seriously.

Good neighbours


* Neighbours can help by offering to make the next door house look lived in while the owners are away.

* They can turn on lights and televisions at night; draw and open curtains; mow lawns; clear mail, newspapers and junk mail; use their clothesline or driveway.

* Write down registration numbers of unfamiliar vehicles; notice strangers and remember what they looked like; be alert.

* If your neighbourhood does not have one think about setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group.

* Talk to your neighbours and ask a police officer to meet the group.