Vigilance Is Key

There has been a marked increase in the reports of break ins, where the house appears to have been targeted because of marks left on the house which indicate that it is an easy property to access, or that there is someone vulnerable living in the property.

There may be a number of ways that the property is marked. Some form of sticker may be stuck on some part of the property, probably designed to look as if it is advertising a business. There may also be some chalk or paint marks made on the side of the house. While this may simply seem to be an annoyance, it can actually be something more sinister, and may mean that your property has become a target for a robbery.

It is therefore becoming increasingly important that you look out for any sign that your property has been marked in any way. If you do find stickers, then these should be removed immediately so that the risk of your property being targeted is reduced. Although this is becoming a less common way of identifying vulnerable properties, it is still better to be safe than sorry. Even if it is a genuine business that has placed stickers on your property, this may be something that you want to remove anyway if they have not asked permission.

A little more vigilance may be required when looking for markings, as they may be located near the property, rather than on the building itself. These markings may look innocuous as they may just be lines or small shapes, but they give criminals messages about your property, such as whether it is vulnerable to a break in and also whether there is anything worth stealing. However, if you spot anything at all that you think looks suspicious, it is a good idea to remove it straight away.

As a precaution against any type of break in, it may be worth hiring a locksmith to check that your locks are keeping your home secure. Very often, if intruders cannot find a quick way into your home, then it is likely that they will give up as there is more chance of them being caught the longer it takes to enter a property. Locks on windows are also recommended as this is another opportunity to enter a building that will be taken away from an intruder. Remaining vigilant around your property can prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.