With more than 400,000 bikes stolen each year in the UK, it comes as no surprise when you hear tales of bad luck and theft from bicycle owners when then they return to their bike. Whether it’s one of your most prized possessions or a cheap buy to get you from A to B, it’s never a nice feeling when you come to realise that your bike has either been stolen or has missing parts. Therefore, it’s important to put into place the measures that fend off any potential bike thief. To get you started, here are some top tips for bike theft prevention.

1.      Choose a suitable lock

The first and most obvious thing to do to prevent your bike from being stolen or a victim of theft is to get a suitable lock. Just like car thieves, bike thieves will always find a way to get the bike they want. Therefore, you want to choose a bike lock that provides a level of security suitable for the location where you leave your bike. A smaller, lightweight bike lock is often suitable for quick stops at local shops, whereas if you’re planning on leaving your bike unattended for a whole day whilst you’re at work or school, then a more secure, heavy-duty bike lock will be required. A smaller lock offers lower security, whilst a bigger lock provides more security. Choosing a bike lock that suits your needs is the most important thing to consider first.

2.      Secure your bike frame & wheels to an immovable object

To ensure maximum security, your bike’s lock cable or chain needs to be long enough to wrap around the bike’s frame, both wheels and whatever object you’re locking the bike too. If you lock just one of the wheels to something, a potential thief can simply remove the wheel and steal the rest of the bike. Alternatively, if you just secure the frame and not the wheels, you risk losing them. Especially if you have a quick-release feature. If your bike isn’t long enough to secure both wheels, then locking the frame and front wheel should be enough to warn off thieves as they may be reluctant to attempt to remove the rear wheel from the chain. Lock your bike to an enclosed object that won’t let the lock be slipped off easily, such as a bike parking rack. If using a free-standing pole such as a signpost, ensure that the pole is high or bulky enough that your bike and lock can't just be lifted over the top.

3.      Lock your bike in the right location

Choosing a place to lock your bike can be a tough situation. If you choose to secure it in a secluded location that is out of sight, then it may be less likely to be noticed by a potential bike thief. However, it may also present the perfect opportunity to be stolen as people are less likely to witness the crime. You need to find a location that offers a good balance of seclusion and visibility. If your workplace or school contains a space to park your bike then use it or if they allow you to bring your bike inside then take advantage.

4.      Keep a record of serial numbers

Every bike should have as serial number edged onto it. This is usually stamped on the underside of the bottom bracket shell, the part of the bike frame where the pedals connect. If you are having difficulties locating your serial number then take it to your local bike shop for some assistance or check your receipt, serial numbers are often printed on them. If your local authority has a bike registration service, then take advantage of it. If not, then there are several online services that let you register your bike’s serial number and report it as stolen if necessary, such as the National Bike Registry. If your bike is ever stolen (touch wood), the serial number can help to get it back. Many bodies of the law, when recovering stolen property such as bikes, tend to look for serial numbers and then look them up on the mentioned online services so they can easily find out who the bike belongs to.

5.      Move your bike regularly

Moving your bike regularly can be a great way to prevent it from being stolen. Thieves tend to understand and learn where bikes are left and for how long, making them an easy target. By regularly moving your bike, you detract attention from it and can avoid any potential thief learning your routine.

6.      Make your bike unappealing

Just as a magpie is drawn to shiny objects, leaving your bike locked up dressed in accessories and looking good, unfortunately, will attract unwanted attention. Therefore, it may be a good idea to dress your bike down, making it blend in rather than stand out. Start by removing any accessories such as flashy lights and attachments or simply cover it up. Hide your bike’s branding or components with tape or something more permanent to make it more subtle and easily recognisable if it were to be stolen and sold on.

By following these bike theft prevention tips, you will be well on your way to ensuring your bike is kept safe and sound whenever left unattended for a period of time. To learn how IDS Security can help with bike theft prevention with our range of security systems, be sure to get in touch with a member of our team today!

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When a burglar targets a home, it’s highly unlikely that they’re looking for what’s in your fridge, although that has happened in the past.  

The majority of burglars are targeting homes that they know contain high-value items that they can easily take and sell. The emphasis for most burglars is to ‘get in and get out’ as fast as you can with as much as you can, which is why many burglaries are committed within 10 minutes!

Now, there are a number of ways that you can help to prevent your home from being the victim of a break-in; from adding security cameras to getting a guard dog. But, the most effective way is to make sure your home doesn’t become a target in the first place. How do you do that? First things first, ensure that your high-value items are out of sight. Keep them locked away in a secure place away from windows and doors. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales 2019, 699 domestic burglaries took place from March 2018 to March 2019, up from the 691 burglaries that took place during the previous 12 months. Here are the most stolen items:

1. Watches & Jewellery
2. Purses, Wallets & Money
3. Computers and computer equipment
4. Electrical goods
5. Mobile phones
6. Clothes
7. Food & Toiletries
8. Handbags & briefcases
9. Furniture & household items
10. Personal documents
11. Vehicles
12. Keys
13. Garden Furniture

Securing your home

Burglars often admit that their number one reason for changing their mind about burgling a house is seeing it has a working alarm system. The smallest amount of doubt about committing a break-in as a result of seeing a security system in place can result in your home being skipped by criminals. Therefore, investing in a fully-functional and effective home security system could potentially be the difference between your most valuable items being there one morning or not.

Here at IDS, we provide a range of home security systems that ensure your home is secured and protected 24 hours a day. From CCTV cameras to intruder alarms, our solutions work to minimise the risk of criminal activity on your property, whilst maximising the protection of your high-valued goods. You can even combine our security options to create one bespoke, security system that is tailored to your property and security needs!

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If unfortunately, you’ve been the victim of domestic burglary, you can find out the steps that you need to take here.

For more information on our home security systems or how IDS can help to make your home less likely to be targeted by domestic burglary, please do not hesitate to contact us today by calling 02920 753 251 or emailing us at admin@ids-securitylts.co.uk.

When it comes to protecting your home with top-tier security equipment, the cost of some systems may be enough to put people off. But never fear! You don’t have to risk putting your property in danger for the sake of saving some pennies as there are a bunch of DIY home security ideas that you can implement to increase the safety of your home. Protecting yourself, your family and all of your treasured belongings inside. So, let’s take a look.

1.      Installing DIY Home Security Cameras

Installing security cameras is one of the obvious and effective home security tips available – did you know that homes with security systems are 300% less likely to be broken into? The great thing about security cameras is that there is a wide range available on the market, so regardless of your budget or security requirements, you are most definitely able to find something that suits you. The most common places where intruders break into homes are at the front door, windows, garages and basements. So, installing a camera at these locations on your home should go some way to increase the protection of your home.

2.    Putting Up Signs & Stickers

A relatively cheap and effective form of DIY home security is to erect signs and place stickers around your home, namely on the lawn. These usually indicate that there are security measure present and installed on the property. Now, whether they work or not is anybody’s guess, but security signs and stickers will most definitely make burglars take notice and think twice about breaking in. More experienced intruders may not fall for this attempt to foil their intentions, so best to pair the signs and stickers with a camera for added security.

3.      Keeping Your Garden & Landscape Tidy

Tall, thick, bushy and unkept shrubs and hedges are the perfect places for potential burglars to hide. A very simple DIY home security tip that you can implement fairly quickly is to keep your brushed trimmed and your lawn mowed, leaving intruders with no place to hide around your property. Even better, to provide an extra layer of protection around your home, why not plant offensive plants such as thorny bushes, bougainvillaeas or cactus. These plants can provide an inhospitable hiding place and even go some way to injuring the intruder.

4.      Close Blinds & Curtains

Probably the most obvious DIY home security tip; close your blinds and curtains! Especially when you are out and not in your home. By providing a means to look into your home and advertising your possessions is a sure-fire way to increase the chances of your house being burgled. Eliminate this by simply closing off the inside of your property to the public, this way your home will less likely be targeted.

5.      Secure/Dispose of Valuable Documents

One thing that often goes amiss with home security is personal data. Over the last decade or so, gaining access to people’s personal data has become increasingly popular and a cause for concern for every household, leading to identity fraud and a whole host of problems. This is often caused by individuals either not disposing of the personal documents properly or not keeping them in a safe enough place. Bills, invoices and statements that contain sensitive personal information should always be kept away in a safe and secure place and thrown away, should be done in the correct way i.e. shredded.

6.      Install Light Timers

For homeowners that are often away from their property most of the day, a simple way to improve home security is to install light timers. These can be set up to turn the lights on in your home at a certain time of the day or night. If a home has its lights on, the chances of it being targeted by an intruder are somewhat reduced as they believe someone is inside and would carry a risk to enter.

7.      Set Up a Neighbourhood Watch

Teamwork makes the dream work, right? Why not combat crime in neighbourhoods by setting up a neighbourhood watch where members of your close community take responsibility for observing and reporting suspicious behaviour. This will lead to increased communication between your community and could even get the word out to potential intruders that your home and neighbourhood is one that should be avoided.

8.      Be Cautious on Social Media

Going on holiday? Be sure to not let your hundreds or thousands of friends know on your social media profiles. Your home is more likely to be targeted if people know it is empty because you and your family are away on holiday. A good DIY home security tip is to share your experiences and holidays away once you have arrived back.

9.      Get a Guard Dog

Dogs are not only man’s best friend and a companion for life, but they also make a great deterrent to intruders. Now, we’re not encouraging you to just get a dog just to increase your home’s security as there are definitely cheaper ways that require far less attention and commitment, however, if a guard is something you are interested in be sure to get the right one. Pick a breed of dog that is not only easy to train but is bright enough to sustain the training you give them, such as German Shepherd and Dobermans. Teach your dog basic obedience and keep practising every day until you feel comfortable to allow your dog to roam freely and secure your home.

10.      Invest in Home Alarms

Now, if money isn’t much of an issue for you and you would like to add a guaranteed measure of security for your home, an alarm system is a way to go. Like security cameras, there is a variety of home security alarms available on the market that suit whatever needs you may have. But these don’t always have to deter potential intruders, they can also protect your home from the dangers of smoke and carbon monoxide. Integrating home alarms with other methods of DIY home security is the best way to ensure your home is fully protected all-year-round.

Here at IDS Security Systems, we provide homes up and down the country with sophisticated home security systems that increase the safety of both the people and possessions inside, whilst acting as an effective deterrent to unwanted visitors. From CCTV cameras to intruder and fire alarms, our range of security systems goes some way to ensuring homes are as secure as they could possibly be from inside dangers as well as outside dangers.

If you are looking to bolster the security of your home with an effective home security system and are interested in what IDS can do for you, be sure to get in touch with a member of our team today. We would be more than happy to help and answer any DIY home security questions that you may have.

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If you’re thinking about buying your first home or are considering relocating to a different part of the UK, be it for your career or family, living in a place where you feel safe is more than likely at the top of your wish list.

Well, thanks to a study conducted for a true-crime documentary series, the safest cities in the UK (and the most dangerous) have been revealed!

If homeowners are looking to feel as safe as possible Edinburgh has been crowned as the safest place to live in the UK. Poll results found that 90% of people in the Scottish capital feel perfectly safe both in their homes and whilst they’re out and about, with just 16% of the population experiencing some sort of criminal activity.

“Edinburgh has been crowned as the safest place to live in the UK”

At the opposite end of the scale, Birmingham has been voted as the most unsafe and dangerous city in the UK, with a massive 42% of residents feeling at risk, even during the day. Research from the poll revealed that even a third of people living in the city worry when they are in their own home.

A spokesman for the crime documentary stated that “the results of the study offer a fascinating insight into how safe we as Britons feel in our cities and towns.”

Approximately 56% of people living Birmingham said in the poll that they would recommend the major UK city as somewhere safe to live, whereas 82% would recommend Edinburgh – a huge difference.

Following Birmingham in the list of the most dangerous places to live in the UK was Leicester, Manchester, London and Sheffield. Following Edinburgh, on the other hand, was the safest UK cities as Bristol, Brighton and Hove, Southampton and Cambridge.

The study which polled around 2,000 Brits revealed that 31% have felt unsafe in their homes at one point or another, with nearly 25% experiencing or hearing of break-ins or attacks in their local area. Just under half of those polled have known a victim of crime, with a home break-in being the most commonly experienced offence.

“Birmingham has been voted as the most unsafe and dangerous city in the UK”

Over a third know someone who has been the target of car theft and nearly a quarter are friends with someone who has experienced a mugging. It has also emerged that nearly 25% of people in the UK have been a victim of crime in the town or city in which they live. Half would like to see an increase in police patrolling the streets with a third saying more CCTV cameras would help ease their worries.

As a result of feeling so anxious, nearly a quarter of residents have either moved from their homes or have considered moving to an entirely different town or city altogether in a bid to feel safer. In fact, 60% of people polled believed towns and rural areas are generally safer than larger cities, with around half under the impressions they have become more worried about their safety as they got older.

One-third of those who took part in the study felt less safe now where they currently live than they did 10 years ago.

Safest Places to Live in the UK

1. Edinburgh
2. Bristol
3. Brighton & Hove
4. Southampton
5. Cambridge

Most Dangerous Places to Live in the UK

1. Birmingham
2. Leicester
3. Manchester
4. London
5. Sheffield

If like many of the residents polled in the study, are worries about your safety or feel as if your home would benefit from added security measures, IDS Security Systems offer a range of fantastic home security solutions that can improve your safety and safety of your home. From CCTV cameras to intruder alarms, our range of home security systems enable you to protect your home in the most effective way possible. Even better, our range of home security systems can be integrated to create a truly bespoke security measure!

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Contact IDS Security today to request a quote for your home security system.

Which UK city is safest from COVID-19?

Looking for information about the coronavirus pandemic? If you're wondering which UK cities are safest in terms of how many COVID-19 cases have been recorded there, take a look at this UK Covid Map and Case Count from the New York Times.

Remember, IDS Security can install a variety of systems to help you limit the spread of COVID-19 on your premises. Click the links below to learn more!

Temperature Screening   Density Control Systems

Throughout our lives we are taught, 'don't leave your phone lying around in plain sight', 'make sure you lock the car', 'shut the windows before you go out', and for good reason. Vulnerable homes, easy opportunities and a quick profit are what drive burglars to commit their crimes.

If you fail to put security precautions in place, you might just fall victim to your local robbers. Once you have a good idea of what burglars look for, you can put the correct deterrents and security features in place to keep them well away from your belongings.

What are burglars looking for?

As we've mentioned before, burglars are looking for valuable items that they can access easily to make a quick profit. This makes some items more appealing than others. Here are some of the top items that burglars look for:

• Money
• Jewellery
• Phones, TV's, laptops etc.
• Prescription drugs

Bear in mind that burglars will tend to look for small, light and valuable items before turning their attention to larger, potentially riskier items. If they're travelling on foot, burglars will look for things that can fit into their backpack or into their pockets.

Wherever possible, you should always remove valuables from your car or at least put them out of sight if you need to leave them overnight. When storing your valuables in the home, we recommend purchasing a safe or putting things in a secure safety deposit box. Your sock drawer, jewellery box and bedside cabinets are among the first places burglars will look when they arrive in your home!

Common tactics burglars use when choosing a target:

Vacant = vulnerable

Consider this, a burglar is roaming the streets outside your home and peering in the windows to assess which home has the most to offer with the smallest risk. Are they more likely to break into the home with the family wandering around and the lights clearly on, or the home that looks like it's been abandoned for the weekend... It's a no-brainer. Leaving a light turned on and ensuring your house isn't left vacant for long periods of time is a great way to deter burglars. 

If you do need to leave your house unattended for longer than a few days, why not consider adding a home security system? This could include a remotely controlled and monitored CCTV cameras,  intruder alarms, door entry systems and more.

Doggy deterrents 

Although we're sure you don't need another excuse to add a furry friend to your home, having a dog in the house can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a break-in. Burglars tactically choose homes without a sharp-toothed and noisy intruder alarm, and it's understandable why. Dogs are protective of their owners and their homes and will no doubt put up a good fight if they feel threatened.

Not allowed a dog in your property? Why not play the burglar at their own game and employ some cunning tactics of your own. Hang a 'Beware of the Dog' sign on your gate or leave a dog bowl and some toys outside to throw burglars off the scent.

Spotting easy entry points

Another tactic that burglars employ to choose when targeting a home is looking for easy entry points. A window left open or a door that's slightly ajar is just asking for trouble, be extra vigilant when you leave the house. Note that even a locked door can be an easy entry point if you leave a key in an obvious and easily accessible place eg... under the mat (the first place any burglar would look). 

Read More: Where Do Burglars Enter Your Home?

If you want to keep your belongings safe and out of the hands of burglars, don't hesitate to get in touch. Now you know what burglars are looking for, you can enquire about our range of security systems for your home! Call us on 029 20 753 251 now.