How to keep your home safe from burglars — essential security strategies

The loss of your belongings as well as the feelings aroused by an intrusion into your home make a break-in a horrible experience. Know how to keep your home safe from burglars, though, and it is possible to lower the risk of undergoing the ordeal.

The ways to make your house or flat less vulnerable are a combination of measures from home security systems to physical barriers. But you’ll also need to adopt practices that ensure your home is less likely to be a target in the first place.

Here, we reveal all the things you can do to maximise your home’s security – and that of your garden and outbuildings, too. Plus there’s the information you need on protecting your home and its contents with insurance.

Physical security measures

Physical security measures are always vital to keep your home secure. All external doors should have five-lever mortice deadlocks with the BS3621 kitemark or multipoint locking systems with a minimum of three points. Use film such as Active Film Safety & Security Window Film from Amazon to reinforce glass. The door frame can also be reinforced. Call in a locksmith registered with the Master Locksmiths Association, who can fit door bars and can also check the security of the hinges. If you’re buying new external doors, opt for accredited products: look for Secured by Design models.

Patio doors should preferably have multi-locking systems or you could install mortice security bolts with removable keys top and bottom of both doors. Opt for an anti-lift device so the doors can’t be lifted out of the frame.

Windows on the ground floor and those higher up that can be reached via a flat roof or a drainpipe should have key-operated locks.

Smart home security

Complement the physical measures that help keep burglars out with high-tech solutions. Opt for an alarm with door and window sensors, motion detectors and two audible alarm boxes mounted where they can be seen high up on the front and rear of the house.

An alarm can be teamed with other security features such as CCTV cameras, video doorbell, and outdoor lighting with motion detection. A system that integrates these elements is best and you can achieve this by choosing one that works via a single app or with a bespoke version that offers monitoring, too.

Shop video doorbells

Make your home look occupied

It’s a good idea to make your home look occupied even when it isn’t to reduce the chances of a break-in. Adopting some of the measures you would to boost home security when you’re on holiday, such as asking a trusted neighbour to collect post or any parcels left on the doorstep when you’re out, will help.

You can also use smart lighting technology to illuminate different rooms of the house after dark and set them up to create the illusion of normal use of the house’s spaces.

Smart window dressings can help out, too. Rather than leaving blinds and curtains shut all day if you’re going to be out in the evening, this will allow them to be closed at appropriate times.

Outbuilding and garden security

As well as your home, it’s vital to secure your garden and outbuildings to deter theft.

“Boundaries are a key part of protecting your garden,” says Miya Kelly, garden outbuildings specialist at Garden Buildings Direct. “Front garden fences and hedges are best kept low to eliminate hiding spots near the house. Meanwhile, side and rear boundaries should be higher to deter thieves from entering. Prickly plants or spiky shrubs near fences can provide an extra layer of natural protection.”

Consider laying gravel paths and driveways, too, she suggests, as its sound underfoot makes it difficult for someone to approach unnoticed. And if there’s a passageway to the back of your home, use a tall gate that is strong and lockable across it.

You should also opt for shed security measures for these and other outbuildings. “Consider reinforcing the door frame, upgrading to heavy duty hinges, and installing a high quality deadbolt lock,” says Miya.

Pay attention to outbuilding windows as well. “Garden offices or summer houses in particular are more likely to contain valuable equipment and furniture, so installing robust locks is really important,” says Miya. “Adding curtains or blinds helps to keep your possessions out of sight, too. If your shed has a window, consider applying frosted or tinted film for privacy while still allowing natural light.”

Miya Kelly

Miya Kelly is a seasoned garden storage and outbuildings specialist with over seven years of experience in the industry. She offers customers expert advice and practical solutions for their gardens. 

What burglars look for: top tips

Scrutinise your home like a burglar does to understand its vulnerabilities. These are the things they might notice.

• Open windows and doors allow someone to get in without force, attracting opportunist break-ins, so never leave them this way. Make sure keys aren’t left in windows and doors either.
• Patio doors that can be levered open.
• Packaging from high value items on show outside can attract burglars as can valuables that are in plain sight through windows.
• Items near the front door or a cat flap – such as a handbag or car keys – might be visible and accessible by passing a hook through the opening.
• Sheds and garages left unlocked.
• Ladders that are easy to grab, allowing thieves to reach upstairs windows.
• Tools that could help them gain entry that aren’t secured.
• Signs that a house isn’t occupied. See above for ways to make it look like you’re home.

Burglary timings

When are you most likely to be burgled? Evidence reveals that break-ins are spread fairly evenly across a week with 69 per cent taking place Monday to Friday and 31 per cent at the weekend, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales from the Office for National Statistics for April 2023 to March 2024.

As for the time of day, the figures show that 40 per cent of burglaries took place during the day (6am to 6pm), and 60 per cent during the evening and night (6pm to 6am).

Home insurance knowhow

Home insurance is vital, and it’s important to check its details in case you suffer a break-in.

“Always read through your policy carefully to check what is and isn’t covered, and in what circumstances,” advises Emma Myrie, lead underwriter at Homeprotect.

“Most home insurance policies will have conditions around basic home security measures like working locks on doors and windows and burglar alarms,” she explains. “Some providers may state that without these precautions, they won’t cover any cost of theft due to personal responsibility.” You should also be aware that some policies can require specific lock types, and not having these installed could cause your claim to be rejected.

Planning to be away from your home for a while? “Leaving your home unoccupied typically for longer than 30 days can reduce or invalidate home insurance so checking your policy to see what period is specified will give you insight about purchasing unoccupied home insurance,” says Emma.

Focus on your home’s contents, too. “Make sure your policy covers the cost of your contents and reflects the value of your belongings,” Emma says. “If you purchase expensive items like a TV, laptop or gym equipment, you’ll need to update your policy to reflect this. It’s good practice to take photos of valuables and keep results to prove their value, as this can speed up claims and prove ownership in the event you’re burgled.” And high value items like luxury jewellery, watches or art may need separate or specialist home insurance, she points out.

Emma Myrie

Emma has been the lead underwriter at Homeprotect for six years. She has over 25 years of underwriting experience, having held a variety of roles within underwriting for companies such as Chubb, Home and Legacy and Sterling (now Covea).

While burglars are on the lookout for your home’s vulnerabilities, they’ll also spot signs that can put them off – and that includes a house alarm. Many will avoid breaking into a home with an alarm, according to Thames Valley Police, so it’s worth combining one of these with your other security solutions to deter them.