A former burglar has revealed some top tips for securing your home from thieves.
Lennox Rogers knows how burglars operate and what they see as an easy target home.
The reformed criminal who robbed homes, who spent 21 years in prison, is now a security expert offering tips on how to keep property safe.
He says of the new stats on burglaries: “It’s sending out the wrong message. It’s causing some criminals to think they’ve got free rein to steal.”
Below he shares his tips on how to prevent your home or car from being the next target.
Make use of ordinary items
Fake cans of beans and jars can be used to hide hide jewellery or cash in and some burglars will be unaware that that’s where your money is, Lennox told The Sun.
It looks like a jar of mayo, but actually it’s like a little piggy bank that’s been painted white.
Install gates
Unexpected noise will deter a burglar and alert any dog in the neighbourhood, making sure that burglar is spooked.
A well-trained dog can help alert you to burglars, as their ears are very sensitive - and they can act as a deterrent.
But even if you don’t have one, there are ways of making it seem like you do.
Have a relationship with your neighbours
One of the best things to do is to have good relationships with your neighbours so you can keep an eye out for each other.
If they see anything suspicious, they could disturb a burglary and cause a burglar to flee because they think, ‘Oh, someone’s looking after this place.’
It’s always better to have more than one person ready to make sure everything’s OK.
Slow down car thieves
I know many people that have had their cars stolen from their driveways while they’ve been at home.
Car makers have taken steps to improve security, but there are some amazing car thieves out there who are able to access your vehicle, and a steering lock is still great to have on a posh car, as well as a wheel lock .
Don’t leave bikes out
A a group of thieves used to go around on Boxing Day - because a lot of children used to leave bikes in their front gardens - and they would come and whip them away.
And that still happens, because people are careless.
If you leave a new electric scooter or bike in your garden, it’s likely someone will come and have that.
Make your house look occupied
Burglars don’t like an occupied house, and there is tech available to make it look like you’re in the house when you’re not.
Through timers and things like Alexa, you can have lights that come on at a certain time, or get the telly to come on in the evening to make it look like you’re sitting at home watching a movie.
