Homeowners rely on their pets to deter burglars, instead of investing in security equipment, research shows.
A recent survey conducted by LampShopOnline revealed that 25% of the public consider dogs to be the most effective method of home security, above specialist security equipment such as alarms, locks and outdoor lighting.
This goes against security statistics that show the most reliable method of home security to be WIDE—a combination of window locks, internal sensor lights, double door locks and external lights.
Alarm systems—another deterrent not cited as being a reliable deterrent—were named as the public’s second most popular security measure. Bright outdoor security lighting—a key element of WIDE— attracted just 17% of the public’s votes.
Rob Holroyd, technical manager at LampShopOnline, comments: “Burglars look for the easy targets, homes with minimal security and easy, discrete access. With this in mind, it makes sense to secure your home and make it as visible as possible to passers-by and surrounding properties. Motion sensor LEDs are a great way of startling and deterring unwanted visitors, not to mention alerting neighbours to unusual activity.”
Although security measures can prevent burglars from entering a property, vehicles parked outside may be vulnerable to thieves. External security lighting is the most effective deterrent for vehicle thieves, particularly as almost four-fifths of car thefts are carried out at night.
Security manager at Crystal Facilities Management, Eren Stirling, confirms: “Vehicle robbery occurs more at night time, so if you have a driveway and you have vehicles parked on it, I would advise getting security lighting installed. Motion sensor lights attract attention, so if a light suddenly comes on that will generally be enough to make people walk away.”
Unlit driveways can also leave homeowners vulnerable when returning home after dark, as Ugo Arinzeh from Onyx Property Consultants explains: “Another important area to illuminate is the front door. When trying to get into your property and looking for keys in the dark, you are unnecessarily susceptible.”
Robust locks on doors and windows reassured 14% of those surveyed, but Neighbourhood Watch —a method Stirling cites as being particularly good for deterring burglars— only received 3% of the votes.
“A lot of burglaries happen in daylight while people are at work, so Neighbourhood watch can certainly be effective," added Stirling. "Burglars will check whether the property is overlooked and they would just avoid these properties.”