This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
With home safety often at the forefront of our minds, it's surprising to learn that there are still several ways we might be leaving ourselves vulnerable to burglars. According to Michael Fraser, a security expert with a unique perspective, having been a burglar himself in the past, there are several common mistakes people make when it comes to securing their homes.
One of the most interesting pieces of advice Fraser shared was the importance of being mindful of calendars with holiday dates. He warns that burglars might be reading them if they're within their line of vision, and suggests not hanging them near windows. 'Don't hang a calendar with holiday dates right near the window - they will come back when they know you're away,' he advises.
Fraser also emphasizes the importance of using both locks on your front door if you have two. He explains that burglars can tell when the dead lock isn't engaged, and suggests putting your foot up against the door to test it. 'What I can do,' he says, 'is put my foot up against the door and if I push on it and it moves then a burglar could tell it isn't engaged.'
Other surprising tips from Fraser include the fact that 'beware of the dog' signs are 'pointless' because if the dog can move around in the house, so can a burglar. He also recommends installing as much security as possible, including a doorbell with a camera. 'The problem is an opportunist always looks for a house where there is absolutely no security. The more you do to your house, the more likely they are to move on and go to another house,' he says.
