Home Security for Protection Against Burglars

Burglary is a crime that’s thankfully on the decline in the UK. In fact the number of burglaries in England and Wales has dropped by over 600,000 from 2002/03 to 2024/25. This is due to many reasons, including the reduction of value in the electronics market and the increased difficulty of such crimes, with enhanced home security perhaps being the most important element of the equation. 

Homeowners are a lot savvier about methods of burglary protection, from installing alarm systems to buying a reliable set of up-and-over garage doors. This article will act as a simple guide for new homeowners looking to update their home security systems, sharing the most essential installations and elements to consider. 

Fortify any physical entry points

The best way to protect your home from burglary is to make it harder for them to get in – duh? Burglaries are often opportunistic acts, with criminals making their way in through windows, front, back, side and garage doors. Essential installations include: 

• Deadbolt locks that go above and beyond typical doorknob locks
• Reinforced door frames, with additions like security bars to block kick-in attempts
• Window locks with security bars, even on the upper floors
• Garage doors with built-in auto-locking and other security features
• Effective shed locks to keep storage and valuable garden items safe

It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people simply neglect to fortify their homes.

Deterrence & visibility measures

Deterrence is an effective tool in a broader home security scheme, with visibility being one of the core facets for deterring would-be criminals. Lighting is the easiest way to create this visibility, with options like motion-activated lights being good for scaring intruders off. Another lighting tool you can use to deter burglars is timers for indoor lights, creating the illusion that someone is home while you’re away. Similarly, you can also do things like leave the TV or radio on when you’re not around to falsify your presence. 

Landscaping can also be used as a strategic tool against burglary, with methods including: 

• Trimming bushes and trees to eliminate hiding spots                     
• Using prickly plants around ground-floor windows to make entrance trickier
• Making your driveway from gravel to make any movement louder                            

These are simple, cheap and practical fixes that may well drive a large proportion of potential criminals.

Purpose-built home security systems

Of course, setting your home up to protect itself from burglars is essential. But, if you live in a high-crime area or simply put a lot of stock in your peace of mind, you can and should invest in additional security technology. 

Home security alarm system options

Alarm systems take a few different forms, such as: 

• Visible alarm boxes and yard signs that indicate their usage
• Professional monitoring systems that alert you/the police when alarms are triggered
• SimpliSafe and Ring Doorbells offer DIY monitoring at an accessible cost

Setting up cameras

In the same vein as alarms, cameras and video doorbells are exceptional ways to monitor your home and deter criminals.

• Visible CCTV installation and video doorbells are often enough to put burglars off
• These devices also record the instances of burglary/attempted burglary, making it much easier to respond to criminal attempts

Investing in real home security technology is your best course of action for both deterring burglaries and having a better chance of preventing them in real time. 

Following these simple guidelines will set your property up for long-term home security, ensuring you can go to bed or spend time away from home in peace. Make sure to start with a strong foundation of fortification, then build the system you need going forward.