Preventing burglaries in East Hertfordshire is achievable with proactive measures, considering the area’s relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average. East Hertfordshire has a crime rate of 66.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the national average stands at 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally safer environment, as reflected in its safety score of 85 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 79. However, property crime remains a factor, with a rate of 20.9 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Several steps can be taken to bolster your home’s security. Firstly, ensure all doors and windows have robust locks. Consider upgrading to British Standard (BS) 3621 locks for enhanced security. Security lighting, particularly dusk-to-dawn lights or motion-activated floodlights, can deter potential burglars. These are particularly effective in areas with limited visibility.
Beyond physical security, consider implementing a 'layered' approach. This includes measures such as:
- Neighbourhood Watch: Participating in or establishing a Neighbourhood Watch scheme fosters community vigilance and provides a network for sharing information and concerns.
- Security Systems: While an investment, an alarm system, potentially monitored by a security company, can provide a significant deterrent and alert authorities to suspicious activity.
- Visible Security Measures: Displaying signage indicating the presence of an alarm system or security cameras, even if they are not always active, can act as a deterrent.
- Smart Home Technology: Smart doorbells with cameras and remote access can allow you to monitor your property and interact with visitors remotely.
- Property Marking: Marking valuable possessions can make them less attractive to thieves and easier to identify if recovered.
Remember, even with a comparatively low crime rate, no area is entirely immune. Remaining vigilant and implementing these preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of burglary in East Hertfordshire. Being aware of your surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity to the police is also crucial.