Think like a burglar

Burglary is a very distressing and intrusive crime but by 'thinking like a burglar' you can reduce your chances of being a victim.

As part of a crackdown on burglary in Lambeth, we are working with Lambeth Police to remind people to look at their home security through the eyes of a burglar.

One ex-burglar, who is now working closely with the Probation Service to help him back into work and away from a life of crime, gives his expert insight into what a thief looks for when selecting a home to break into:

• A home without any lights on: "If a kitchen or living room light was on I wouldn’t risk it." Timer devices are available to turn on lights when you are away from home.
• Doors which weren’t double-locked: "You can push against a door and tell if both locks have been used. It's surprising the number of people who never use both locks."
• Neighbourhood Watch stickers: "This would put me off because they put a doubt in your mind and there will always be somewhere else that will be easier."
• Letterboxes: "Burglars look through them to see if post has been collected or fish for keys left by the door. Fitting a letterbox guard stops people seeing into your home."
• Communal front doors: "People who live in shared houses or blocks of flats will often leave it for someone else to lock the door or you can follow behind someone when they open the main front door."

Also ask yourself:

• are your side gates and fences secure?
• have you checked the identity of the stranger at the door?
• can your shed or garage be opened easily?
• have you locked your doors and windows even if only popping out for a short time?

Go to the Metropolitan Police burglary prevention web page for more advice on how to prevent burglary.