Next door neighbours got burgled last night - what can we do to protect us?

[MissNJE]

Hello,

I know not AIBU but I am quite worried now and need advise to calm me down. I am abroad at the moment and just heard that our neighbours got burgled last night by six guys with machetes. I am really worried now. Our neighbourhood is very safe and despite all the houses in our drive have alarm systems nobody ever used them.

We don't double lock the front door usually when we are inside just in case of a fire but will do so from now on. We need to set-up the alarm now but what else can we do?

bakingnovice
They smashed the patio glass door with a big rock.

I bet I can't sleep tonight.

Oh no mrsnje. Bastards. My kids still feel scared.

I am home now and found out further details. This was the first burglary in our area and until now there was no violent crime either. The guys must have been very inexperienced, they didn't really know what to do. Neighbour offered them the keys to nearly new Range Rover but they refused. They left with £40. House is full with expensive gadgets but they didn't take anything.

Our alarm will be set up again this week and we will get CCTV installed.

Remember that a chain is only as weak as the weakest link.

Lots of people have secure front doors and very unsecure back doors. Burglars often go for patio doors, or open windows rather than front doors.

Make sure you have insurance, and don't confront any burglars. Just let them take what they want.