Adjusting curtains could help to deter burglars

Asking a neighbour, friend or member of the family to adjust your curtains when you are away could help to deter burglars and prevent burglaries.

Earlier this year, a number of unoccupied houses in north Down were hit by opportunistic burglars. Police suggested a number of tips to try and fool potential burglars, warning that burglars will often watch houses to decide which homes to target. The police also warned that the idea of burglars creeping around in the night when everyone else is asleep is actually very outdated – burglars will quite happily burgle homes during the day time, if they are sure that no one is watching.

As well as asking someone to regularly adjust curtains while you are away, police also suggested switching different lights on and off, removing mail and open and closing gates. Police also advised activating alarms if you have them and making sure that any ladders that you are own are secured in a locked garage or shed.

The aim is to give the burglars the impression that someone is at home and therefore putting them off targeting your home.