Killarney

<p>By John Healy of Healy Insurances</p>
<h3>Burglary rates have increased considerably as pandemic restrictions were lifted and workers returned to the workplace.</h3>
<p>It is important to be mindful of security in your home. You should include all the following in your everyday routine to avoid break-ins:</p>
<h3>Use levered deadlocks</h3>
<p>Fitting and using good quality locks such as levered deadlocks on your doors will make it harder for burglars to barge through them. You should also ensure all ground floor windows have locks.</p>
<h3>Hide keys/valuables out of sight</h3>
<p>Remove keys from locked doors and windows and put them in a safe place. Valuables (cash, jewellery etc.), which can be seen from outside, are tempting targets for burglars, so keep them out of sight.</p>
<h3>Apply timed switches on lights</h3>
<p>Put timer switches on your lights so it looks like you’re at home when you’re out.</p>
<h3>Install home security cameras and/or an alarm system</h3>
<p>These can act as a deterrent and may ward off burglars. When choosing a home alarm system, look for one which is all the following:</p>
<p>1. Your home’s alarm should be easy to see as it will ward off burglars<br />
2. A loud alarm will scare off burglars’ mid-break-in, while a fake or ‘dummy’ alarm won’t<br />
3. Monitored alarms will allow the police to respond to an alarm event much more quickly<br />
4. Household alarm systems that are wireless are harder to tamper with and continue to work during power outages</p>
<h3>Lock garden items away</h3>
<p>Valuable items such as bikes and power tools should be locked securely in a garden shed or outbuilding when not in use. Also, a well-lit garden can deter would-be burglars as it stops them from sneaking around unseen.</p>
<p>Most insurers will offer a discount if your house has a monitored alarm, however you must ensure that it is turned on and in working order each time you leave the house.</p>


How to protect your home from intruders

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