Beat The Burglar With An Alarm 

 Most burglars are not master criminals. They're usually just looking for an easy opportunity to get into a house.

Research shows that Buckinghamshire residents with burglar alarms are less likely to become a victim of burglary compared with those without one fitted who are nearly twice as likely to be burgled.

All burglary dwelling offences from 2009 to 2011 across Bucks have been investigated by the I-on Bucks team to identify if there is a relationship between owning an alarm and the likelihood of being a victim of burglary.

Thames Valley Police found that only 18% of 2243 burglaries, between 2009 and 2011, were committed on properties fitted with alarms. This shows that the majority of burgled homes were not alarmed. Analysis also shows that when offenders burgle alarmed homes they are twice as likely to leave empty handed.

South Bucks District Councillor, Anita Cranmer, Portfolio Holder for Community says, “National research shows that an alarm system plays a huge role in deterring break-ins. It is indeed far less likely that you will fall victim to a burglary if your property has an alarm system. A further benefit to having a burglar alarm is that it often lowers house insurance premiums, which is a big help at this time when we all need to save where we can.”

She adds, “In addition to fitting an alarm system residents can also implement a range of other security measures. To assist the process residents may like to complete a home security self assessment on the Council’s website which will be assessed by a member of the Community Safety Team so that improvements can be suggested.”

Deputy LPA Commander Bhupinder Rai says, “South Bucks Community Safety Partnership is committed to reducing burglary. Residents can help themselves by completing a self assessment home security survey online. Burglars will always look for opportunities and a lack of security measures, so it is important you stay one-step ahead.”