Nobody wants to come home and find their home has been broken into - especially around the festive season.
Thousands of families are devastated by home and break-ins each year, with some burglars specifically targeting houses at Christmas time. Some thieves go as far as to steal lovingly bought and wrapped presents from underneath Christmas trees.
There are a number of ways people can lower the risk of criminals trying to steal from their homes including locking all doors and windows, adding security camera's or a Ring Doorbell and keeping valuable items out of sight.
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But there are also a number of 'anti-burglary' myths circulating that can actually lead you to be more of a target. Here's a list of 11 mistakes people make which could actually attract burglars, rather than keep them away.
11. Leaving on the lights throughout the night
One common myth is that leaving lights on in your home will make it look like somebody's home and stop burgers from attempting to break into your home. But according to experts, leaving your lights on at strange times is an obvious sign that nobody is home.
10. Leaving doors, garages and shed's unlocked
This may seem like a simple one, but some people do forget. All doors including garage, shed and conservatory doors should be locked regardless of where you live.
9. Keep valuables hidden away
Make sure none of your valuable jewellery, technology or clothing is on display in your windows. This is something that can entice intruders.
8. Hide your rubbish
Some people don't think twice after throwing out the packaging for expensive items they've bought for themselves or as presents for family and friends. Make sure boxes for expensive items are disposed of discreetly as recycling bins can give a lot away.
7. Leaving curtains half open
On the same point as number three, keeping your curtains half open when you're away from home can be a huge sign you're not there. This gives burglars an insight into your home and anybody watching can see that nobody is inside.
6. Your alarm system being on display
Another myth is having your alarm system in pride of place so people can see your home is protected. This can backfire as burglars can see if it is activated or not.
5. Watch your post
One of the first signs of an unoccupied home is seeing post piled up on the floor inside.
4. Keeping windows open
It doesn't matter how high a window is, if a criminal wants to break into your home they will. It's important to make sure all your windows are closed, and locked as they're easy to jimmy open if they're ajar.
3. No car in the driveway
When there's no car on the driveway, it’s evident somebody hasn’t come home. If a thief is watching the property, or similarly if a car hasn’t been moved for some time, this could make your home a prime target.
2. Keeping a ladder in the garden
Although ladders can be a tough thing to store, it's important not to leave them in your back garden. Building materials such as ladders can easily be used to smash or reach windows.
1. A key under a doormat
Under the doormat or in a plant pot is one of the first places criminals look when they're trying to break into your home.
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