Ex-burglars Reveal All On Home Security
The insurer has taken the unusual step of consulting with reformed criminals to identify ways in which homeowners make themselves vulnerable, and 68% of those questioned said they collected information about their target’s home and routine in advance of committing a crime.
Twelve per cent turned to sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to pinpoint the whereabouts of a target and establish how long they would absent from home.
MORE TH>N spokesperson, Pete Markey, comments: “The research suggests that burglars still use tried and tested methods when it comes to breaking in to properties but that they’re keeping up with the times too.”
He adds: “Using Facebook or Twitter to boast about a big night out or a fortnight in Barbados may impress friends and colleagues, but it’s enough to give the social-media savvy burglar all they need to know.”
Other key findings are as follows:
A third of ex-burglars believe homeowners keep their valuables hidden in bedroom drawers, 20% thought they’d be in a safe and 4% would check the fridge.
Car keys (34%) are the first items a burglar will look for; bungalows (32%) and detached houses (30%) present the best burglary opportunities of all residential types and leaving packaging from expensive new goods out with the rubbish (20%) is tantamount to providing burglars with an advert.
Finally, while nosey neighbours made little difference to ex-burglars’ plans, an alarm, followed by a dog or CCTV were identified as the biggest deterrents.
