To be worried about burglary

[superfreak]

I've always had a big fear of burglary. I think it's because my dad was always very anxious about it and insisted on extensive security systems for the house.

I live in a purpose built flat right now, but We are about to buy a house. It's on a main road but quite concealed by trees and bushes.

What I'm worried about is someone working out we leave the house every day 9-5 and breaking in I'm worried they'll be able to break in without being noticed because of the bushes, and it will be obvious no one's in when the car's gone.

There have been a few break ins locally, and there's a travellers' site nearby so I'm a bit concerned about that as there have been burglary/thieving issues linked to the site. I don't want to sound prejudiced but the court cases have been in the news. DP says I'm worrying over nothing. AIBU?

I would be more worried about someone breaking in whilst im in! I must admit it's something I worry about a lot. Especially as I'm a single parent so no man around if it happened!

I don't think there is any point stressing yourself about it as quite frankly you can only make your house as secure as possible and then it's out of your control.

And whilst burglary is common, many many people will never be broken into. That doesn't make the news!

Cut the bushes - it will be less likely that someone will break in if they are likely to be spotted. Use timers on lights in various rooms. Fit Venetian blinds if you still want more privacy (great deterrent). Get the crime prevent guys round to check your locks etc (its free). Fit exterior motion sensor lights. Get a burglar alarm. (You can even put your radio on a timer)

I did all of this after being burgled many years ago.

Smart Water is what you need. They won't touch your house because the stuff isn't worth nicking once marked with Smart Water. Burglars ALWAYS go for the easiest target.

Alarms are cheap - my DH installed ours and just cut back the trees and shrubs. You can't let the fear of the possibility of something rule your major life decisions.

Most burglaries are opportunist. I don't think someone is staking you out to pinch your Samsung telly and omega watch...unless you are wealthy with Rolexs and 4 Bentleys in the drive.

If they want to get in they will.

Smart Water is what you need. They won't touch your house because the stuff isn't worth nicking once marked with Smart Water. Burglars ALWAYS go for the easiest target.

We had all our expensive stuff SmartWatered. Had a sticker in the window and all. It still all got burgled, and nothing ever got recovered. SmartWater might reduce their avenues for selling things on, but it doesn't make stuff "not worth nicking".

We have been burgled 3 times. Had a car stolen each time, plus belongings first two times. We live in a very desirable area, which attracts thieves as they target certain brands of cars, then load up with as much as they can get.

It’s true that burglars go for the easiest targets. Somewhere they can access quickly and quietly. My advice is to invest in good security - prevention is the key! A good alarm system obviously, also sturdy doors, windows, anti-snap locks, motion activated lighting, motion activated cameras. Being vigilant, so always locking the door behind you when you come in, not leaving keys and handbags lying out or visible through windows etc.

The images recorded on our camera from our last burglary meant the police caught and arrested the guy within hours. It was an opportunist who went for DH’s car keys - DH came home, hung his coat on the back on kitchen chair, the guy nipped in and grabbed the keys from his coat pocket. If DH had locked the back door it wouldn’t have happened, he’d have moved on to the next house!

We’ve been extremely unlucky I think - not many people would be burgled 3 times.