Machi de Waard

So my sister just got back from holiday and their belongings were stolen out of the rental car. Terrible and very irritating!!! So, just in case it can help someone, here's the list of prevention measures for your home from Thames Valley Police:

• Good lighting is an excellent way to deter a thief. Timer switches can be used for internal lights or a radio so it looks and sounds like someone is at home.
• For external lights consider ‘dusk to dawn’ lights. These are light sensitive and come on when it gets dark and turn themselves off when it gets light.
• Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice.
• Lock all windows – thieves can wriggle through any gap larger than the size of a human head.
• Fit secure locks to all doors and fit a door chain or bar. Fit visible window locks, including rear or side windows and those above a low roof. Fit locks to the top and bottom of patio doors.
• Never leave garages or sheds unlocked – remember to lock tools and ladders away so that thieves cannot use them to break in. Consider installing a battery operated shed alarm.
• Check for weak spots and sagging fences on your boundary. Make sure the front of the house is visible so a thief cannot work unseen, although a thorny hedge along a boundary makes a useful deterrent.
• Fit a strong lockable gate across side passages.

Also - do NOT keep your keys by your front door!!!!!!!! Keep them in your bedroom. Make it a habit!! If thieves get in your house when you are home, YOU want to have the keys!! And since many thieves are looking for car keys to steal, it's best not to make it easy for them by having them right next to the front door!