If security is a priority for you, you may be considering installing a CCTV camera to protect your home or business. But do you need to ask permission before installing a camera?

The short answer is no, you do not need permission to install a CCTV camera on your own property in the UK. However, there are guidelines from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) that you will need to follow as a CCTV camera user.

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In the UK, a house is burgled every 165 seconds - a nerve-wracking figure for many home owners. Here at IDS Security, we are committed to helping you protect your home from crime, which is why we have compiled a list of our 10 Top Tips for how to secure your home from burglars so you can rest assured that you have done everything in your power to keep your home safe from intruders. 

Secure Your Home By...

1. Being social media savvy
2. Checking every entry point 
3. Keeping valuables away from the windows
4. Securing your spare key
5. Leaving a light on
6. Cancelling your deliveries
7. Moving brooms and mops
8. Eliminating hiding spots
9. Befriending your neighbours
10. Installing a security system

1. Be Social Media Savvy

Don't give any potential burglars the opportunity to do some internet shopping of your property! Be wary of what you post and where. Whilst it may be tempting to post flashy pictures of your latest decor, you could also (unknowingly) be promoting your belongings to a budding thief. 

2. Check Every Entry Point

The most attractive thing to a burglar is an unlocked window or door. This is why it is essential that you check every entry point is secure before leaving your home unattended. You would be surprised at how small of a window some burglars are willing to crawl through!

3. Keep Valuables Away From the Windows

Burglars love to window shop, so leaving your brand-new TV, laptop or jewellery visible from the street is a recipe for disaster. If you’re not sure whether you’ve concealed your valuables well enough, it may be worth looking through your own windows and seeing what’s visible from the outside. Plus, investing in a good pair of thick curtains wouldn’t hurt!

4. Secure Your Spare Key

To keep your home secure from burglars, try to give your spare key to your trusted person ahead of time instead of leaving it in one of the classic places (e.g. under the mat, in a plant pot). Burglars know these not-so-secret hiding spots all too well!

5. Leave a Light On

Making your house appear occupied is one of the best ways to deter a burglar. Automatic and motion-detecting lights do a great job of scaring off intruders as they make it much more likely that they will be spotted by a passerby.

6. Cancel or Reschedule Your Deliveries

Not only does leaving packages outside your door signal to burglars that you aren’t home, but it also makes it easy for thieves to pinch your parcels. Consider temporarily cancelling or rescheduling your regular deliveries if you are out for the day, that way you aren’t giving away that nobody’s home!

7. Keep Brooms and Mops Out of Sight

A bit of a strange one, but still extremely important. Brooms and mops can be used to gain entry into properties, but they can also be used by experienced burglars as a technique escape. 

Once a burglar has gained entry into a property, a mop or broom can be placed against a door so that they can hear the victim approaching before getting caught. Sneaky!

8. Eliminate Hiding Spots

An overgrown garden or unlocked shed are incredibly attractive hiding spots for burglars. Keeping your garden and outdoor area tidy and locked can help secure your home from burglars as it leaves them exposed and easily seen by passersby and neighbours.

9. Befriend Your Neighbours

Being friendly with your neighbours can make your life easier in more ways than one! Having a mutual understanding with your neighbour to keep an eye on each other’s houses can be a great way to give you some peace of mind and your house some extra protection if you’re leaving it unattended for the weekend.

10. Install a Quality Security System

Undoubtably the best way to secure your home from burglars is to install an efficient and robust home security system. Security systems are able to alert the police in an instant - they also provide hard evidence for crimes if this becomes necessary later on. 

Here at IDS, we install and maintain a wide range of security systems tailored to your home, business or family's needs, including:

• CCTV Cameras
• Intruder Alarms
• Fire Alarms
• Access Control Systems
• Security Barriers

Get in touch today or request a FREE security survey below and one of our experienced engineers will advise you on the best solution for your property.

FREE Security Survey

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