| Being burgled isn't just about losing money. It is a | | | | Burglar Alarms |
| traumatic experience and can leave victims feeling | | | | If you do decide to install a burglar alarm, they don't |
| anxious and scared. | | | | need to cost the earth. Burglar alarms are effective at |
| Victim Support estimate that there are around a million | | | | deterring crime, according to government figures, |
| burglaries each year in the UK. They deal with 1.7 | | | | around 60% of attempted burglaries on homes that |
| million people affected by crime each year. | | | | are alarmed fail. |
| As well as the emotional fallout of being a victim of | | | | When buying an alarm, it is worth looking for a police |
| crime, there are also the practicalities of repairing any | | | | recognised 'alarm inspectorate' company. This means |
| damage to your home, possessions, replacing items | | | | they will be accredited to the National Security |
| and claiming on your home insurance to help replace | | | | Inspectorate and National Approval Council for |
| missing items. | | | | Security Systems. |
| Having a family heirloom or valuable stolen is often | | | | Do not be talked into buying an alarm through shock |
| irreplaceable, even if you can claim on insurance. For | | | | tactics, remember that violent attacks in the home are |
| many, simply the thought of somebody intruding in their | | | | extremely rare. |
| home is bad enough. Which is why, if you are a victim | | | | Types of alarm: |
| of burglary it is important to: | | | | -The 'bells only' system. This is the most common and |
| -Talk. If you talk through your experience with | | | | cheapest to install but you will have to pay an annual |
| somebody independent of family, who is trained to | | | | maintenance fee too. |
| listen, many victims feel much better. | | | | -For twice the money, you could get a 'monitored |
| -Seek specialist advice to help improve your security in | | | | alarm' - worth investing in if you live in an isolated area. |
| your home. | | | | This will alert the police if an intruder is detected and |
| -Notify your bank quickly if bank cards, cheque books, | | | | costs roughly £900, again with a yearly |
| benefit books etc. are taken so they can prevent | | | | maintenance fee on top - expect this to be around |
| fraud and further theft. | | | | £200 a year. |
| -Even if you can't afford state-of-the-art security, think | | | | -Top technological alarms include CCTV, audio |
| about measures that are easy and cost less such as | | | | connections and sensors to detect movement in |
| leaving lights or a radio on when you go out, and | | | | different places around your home. |
| checking all doors and windows are closed or locked. | | | | Before you buy an alarm speak with your insurance |
| -Join your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme if there | | | | company first. They may reduce your premium if you |
| is one running, if not, talk to your crime prevention | | | | increase your security. |
| officer about starting one. | | | | |