If you were under the impression that Kent is a safe county in which to live, you are mistaken. Crime statistics for the year to September 2013 show that, while the figures are down for everywhere else in the country, in Kent crime has increased by 8% overall. By any standards, that is a shocking statistic and should be a red flag to householders regarding the protection of their property from burglars.
Most criminals will do everything they can to avoid getting caught, and if there are two identical properties side by side and one has a burglar alarm while the other does not, they will avoid the one with the alarm.
Burglary is not just about the property
Apart from the loss of property, getting burgled is one of the worst experiences any human being can face. You come home to find an open or broken window or a door that has been forced open, to discover on entry that your home has been ransacked. Clothes are all over the floor. The drawers have been emptied. Jewellery, paintings, ornaments, objets d’art – all gone. And often in a flash!
It doesn’t take very long either. In a recent raid on a convenience store in a seaside town in Kent two thieves removed the complete stock of cigarettes – valued at £15,000 – in less than a minute and a half, which was quicker than the time it took for the shopkeeper to wake and come downstairs.
Violation
The sense of violation when your home has been burgled is possibly worse than the loss of property. The fact that unknown individuals have been in your home gives a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. Indeed, many people cannot stand the thought of it to such an extent that they put their home on the market and move.
It follows that householders in Kent should take every precaution available to protect their property. Installing an efficient, modern burglar alarm system should be a top priority for anyone purchasing a home that does not have one.
Passive Infra Red
PIR (Passive Infra-Red) security lighting is also a great way to deter burglars. If they get into your garden and are suddenly – quite literally – in the spotlight, it is most likely that they will turn and run rather than continue their efforts.
Burglar alarms are an even greater consideration if you live in a well-to-do area, even if you do not own a lot of valuable property yourself. Burglars want to steal valuable property and will concentrate on wealthy areas rather than council estates. They do not know whether or not you have valuables, but they are not going to knock on your door and ask you.
Vulnerable isolated areas
It also goes without saying that you need a good security system if you live in an isolated rural area of Kent, since a couple of burglars will have more confidence if they have checked out your home and found it does not have an alarm. They can break in at will, even if you are in the house, without the fear of waking any neighbours.
Complete security solutions from Guardian Security & Fire
Call Guardian or complete our form to organise your free home survey in Kent.
One of our experienced engineers will discuss your requirements in person. You can be reassured that our NSI Gold accreditation means our alarm systems are recognised by all insurance companies. This will result in the lowest insurance policy possible!