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▲ SECURITY new members can find their local Watch at www.ourwatch.org.uk 9 BE GARDEN PROUD Burglars might break in to a house whatever the garden looks like, but large bushes and hedges close to the property are ready-made hiding places for thieves. Trim all shrubs to 3ft or shorter, especially those near windows and doors. Other ways to deter intruders include gravel paths - the crunch of a footstep could be enough to make a burglar move on. Planting prickly bushes under windows also works as a deterrent, bushes with vicious thorns include blackthorn, hawthorn, holly, pyracantha and gorse. Visit a garden centre such as Dobbies (www.dobbies. com) to pick your plants wisely. Once the alarm is fitted, it must be used at all times with no exceptions - the whole family should be confident in turning it on and off 7 6 RAISE THE ALARM A quality alarm system is worth the investment. Considering factors such as budget, local crime rates, type of home, and level of protection can help in choosing the right security system for each particular property. Verisure Smart Alarms (www.verisure. co.uk) are connected to an alarm receiving centre and can be controlled with a smartphone app by the whole family. A spokesperson for Verisure says: 'Our alarm system protects in three areas - preventing intrusions, detecting intrusions and raising the alarm quickly, and responding to any incidents suffered by our customers such as accidents in the home.' ADT Smart Home (www.adt. co.uk) is another option, which can be connected to add-on devices such as wireless lighting controls and internal video cameras for complete home security at the touch of a few buttons. 'The 21st century household is becoming smarter every day,' says ADT's spokesperson. 'And our system gives complete control of their home security any time, anywhere.' Once the alarm is fitted, it must be used at all times with no exceptions - the whole family should be confident in turning it on and off. 252 | OCTOBER 2016 Top trellis SARAH SAYS 'Putting up blinds, closing windows and leaving lights on are all vital home security measures. It's also worth getting an alarm - there are decent wireless ones now that are reasonably priced.' ATTACH TRELLIS TO THE TOP OF YOUR FENCE, AS IT WON'T HOLD AN INTRUDER'S WEIGHT. SHOUT ABOUT SECURITY Display signs that show the household has a home security system, but keep it generic. Company signs can give burglars information about the alarm and help them bypass the system. Online retailers such as Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk) have a selection of security signs and stickers that can be displayed on windows and doors. Top tip: Move calendars and diaries away from window areas. Appointments and holiday dates could be spotted by eagle-eyed burglars scouting a property. 8 EVERYBODY NEEDS GOOD NEIGHBOURS Neighbours who look out for each other can reduce the risk of burglaries - those who open and close curtains, put the bin out and occasionally park on driveways can help a house appear occupied when the owners are away. Top tip: There are lots of Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the UK and 10 BUY A SAFE FOR YOUR HOME With the outside of the home covered, it's important to think about what a burglar would find inside. Most thieves head straight for the master bedroom as that's usually where cash and jewellery are stored. Instead, invest in a safe and install it in a hardto-find spot such as the cupboard under the stairs or the attic. Argos (www.argos.co.uk) stocks a great selection for you to choose from. http://www.ourwatch.org.uk http://www.dobbies http://www.verisure http://www.co.uk http://www.amazon.co.uk http://www.adt http://www.co.uk http://www.argos.co.uk

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