The increasing rate of burglary is a pressing issue in England. In 2021, the police reported over 267,000 burglaries occurring at a rate of one every 106 seconds. 

It may be surprising to know that more than half of these burglaries took place while someone was in the property. Even more surprising is that around 43% of burglars were associated in some way with their targets.

Criminal groups continually develop new strategies to gain access to properties, in an attempt to circumvent the latest physical and technical security measures.

Social engineering is a regular tactic used to conduct hostile reconnaissance. For example, a burglar may try to see into the inside of a house by posing as a door-to-door salesman, delivery driver, or ‘confused’ contractor. Being aware of this kind of behaviour is important. 

We should keep an eye out for unfamiliar vehicles, unusual occurrences, or suspicious behaviour around our houses.  

Taking down odd posters and flyers on a property (for example, those left in the letter box) is also key. Burglars sometimes use this as a signal to associates that a property has been reconnoitre. They have also been known to leave discreet marks on houses they consider a target, avoiding leaving a digital footprint. 

How to mitigate theft risks

Intruder detection systems (IDS) alert home owners when an intrusion occurs. They usually comprise a number of different types of sensor, including passive infrared (PIR), microwave, Dual-Tech (a combination of PIR and microwave), vibration, and balanced magnetic switch (BMS) contacts (for windows and doors). 

IDSs can be remotely monitored by alarm receiving centres (ARCs). When the alarm is activated, the ARC is notified. Their operations personnel will then call the owner or household staff to notify them of an intrusion. An immediate police response can be triggered if an URN has been sought. 

Installing an alarm system is one of the most effective methods to protect your house or building from theft, property damage, and burglary.

CCTV cameras deter and detect threat actors; and provide footage for the police to use to apprehend and prosecute the criminals. Consequently, properties that do not have CCTV systems become preferred targets for burglars.

It is also crucial to address the security of the doors and windows since a home’s safety is only as strong as its most vulnerable point. Double-locking your doors is essential for added security. The importance of multiple locks is two fold: Firstly, a burglar will have to pick or defeat two locks, increasing break-in time, and increasing the likelihood that police can get there in time. And secondly, because multiple locks spread the impact of a forced entry across the frame, making the door much stronger. Hinge-bolts work in the same way. 

To deter potential nighttime burglars effectively, consider installing motion sensor lights. These lights activate when someone approaches your property. Motion-activated lights make people feel much more vulnerable. This is often enough to make them think again. 

Fences, especially those equipped with spikes, or thorny bushes, are effective means to prevent burglars from scaling them. 

Marengo advises clients on the best physical, technical and procedural measures to implement at their houses. It designs bespoke security plans using a combination of physical and technical systems, based on the client’s threat profile and appetite for security. We are also experts at designing unobtrusive and unburdensome security plans, which retain the desired feel of the house.