Homeowners in Marcham understandably want to feel safe and secure. The question of how to prevent burglaries is a common one, and understanding the local context is key. Marcham, located in Vale of White Horse, has a population of 2469. Its crime rate stands at 38.1 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6. This suggests Marcham is generally a safer area. However, a property crime rate of 10.6 per 1,000 residents still warrants preventative action.
While Marcham's safety score is a reassuring 91 out of 100 (compared to the UK average of 79), complacency can be a burglar’s greatest ally. Here are some steps homeowners can take to minimise risk:
- Secure Your Entry Points: Ensure all doors and windows have robust locks. Consider upgrading to British Standard (BS) locks. Window locks are particularly important, as ground-floor windows are often targeted.
- Consider an Alarm System: Visible alarm systems can act as a deterrent. Even a basic monitored alarm can provide peace of mind.
- Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights around your property, particularly near entrances and pathways. Good external lighting makes it harder for burglars to operate unnoticed.
- Secure Valuables: Don't leave valuable items in plain sight. Consider a safe for jewellery, cash, and important documents.
- Neighbourhood Watch: Engage with your neighbours and consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Community vigilance is a powerful deterrent.
- Be Mindful of Social Media: Avoid posting details about holidays or absences on social media, as this can alert potential burglars.
- Secure Sheds and Garages: Sheds and garages are often overlooked, but they can contain valuable tools and equipment. Secure them with strong locks.
- Mark Your Possessions: Property marking can make stolen goods less attractive to thieves and easier to identify if recovered.