Burglaries are a big problem in the UK, with an estimated 266,489 happening in 2023/24. That’s roughly 730 homes that are broken into each day!
Vehicle theft is also on the rise, particularly driveway vehicle theft, where thieves drive a car straight off the driveway. The figures have increased in recent years, with 11% of all vehicle thefts occurring on a driveway as of 2023. Even break-ins are increasing, with the driveway being one of the more targeted places for thieves.
With figures like these, it’s easy to feel like there’s nothing you can do about it.
But increased security measures outside your home and on your driveway can make it harder for thieves to pull off burglaries and get away with vehicle theft. So what are these security measures and how can you implement them in your home? In this article, we’ll break down some of the most effective measures you can take to protect your property and valuables against thieves and carjackers.
Motion triggered lights
Lights in your driveway are not only a good idea for your safety but can also serve as an excellent deterrent for thieves. Many burglaries happen at night when thieves can hide in the dark. Motion-triggered lights can foil their plans and allow them to be seen by passers-by, which means many thieves will move on to another house rather than take the risk. As a cost-effective security solution, these lights only turn on when someone is on your property to save you money and electricity.
Security Gates
Some studies have suggested that the presence of a sturdy security gate, as a part of a home security system, can lower the risk of burglaries by 300%. Situated around your property, driveway gates act as a visual deterrent before a thief even attempts to enter your property, signalling that this is one home that will not be easy to access. It’s thought that whilst some thieves may take a security gate as a challenge, the vast majority will move on immediately.
Some security gates even come with CCTV systems installed, making it easier than ever to catch intruders.
Parking and security bollards
11% of all car theft happens to cars parked on driveways, with keyless cars being especially vulnerable. Parking posts installed on your driveway can prevent carjackers from being able to drive away with your car, even if they can get inside it. As a result, most thieves will move straight on when they catch sight of your security bollard.
Parking posts can also prevent vehicle collisions with your home and limit the damage caused by accidents. There is a vast array of security bollards and parking posts available, from telescopic posts to fold-down bollards, making it easy to find the right solution for you and your home.
Motion sensor cameras
Motion sensor cameras are great security solutions for any driveway. Burglars want to pull off their plans without any added risks or obstacles, but a motion sensor camera watching their every movement increases the risk of being caught considerably. Place cameras where a burglar is bound to spot them to let them know they’re being watched before they attempt to break in.
Even if an intruder doesn’t spot the camera, or decides to take the risk anyway, a motion sensor camera provides you with video evidence of the break-in. This evidence can be invaluable for the police when it comes to catching the perpetrator.
Fencing
It might seem counterintuitive, but low fencing around the front of your house is the best at preventing burglaries. This is because high fencing around your driveway creates spots for thieves to hide. A boundary of under 1m separates your property from the road, whilst forcing thieves to operate out in the open.
High fencing around the back of your home can stop thieves from climbing over into your garden. It is recommended you install fences over 1.8m.
Dogs
Man’s best friend has been used for security purposes for years, and, as such, home invaders and carjackers often don’t approach houses where a dog is known to live. Dogs can bark to alert you that someone has broken in and present a distraction for many thieves. In some cases, dogs can even be taught to react to intruders. However, as loveable as they are, dogs aren’t always the most reliable security solution on their own and should be coupled with other security options for maximum efficacy.
Installing these security measures on your driveway and in your home can help you decrease the likelihood of burglaries, vehicle theft, and break-ins. At Bulldog Bollards we take these security measures very seriously. With decades of experience behind us, we are experts in all things security posts and are available to answer any questions you might have about your security needs.
For more information on how security bollards can protect your home, or to look at our extensive range, check out the rest of our website or call us today!