A laptop is stolen every 53 seconds - Prevent Burglary: Think like a thief.

Nov. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- House burglaries go up by a third after clocks go back according to the Metropolitan Police. With the longer night’s drawing in and with the lead up to Christmas you can be sure that burglars will be taking full advantage and be on the prowl. Yet, by taking a few simple security measures you can avoid the opportunistic thief and keep them off your radar.

Remember burglars are on the lookout for an easy target where there is less risk of getting caught, so make sure you property looks and is secure.

Prevention tips:
1.   Shut and lock all windows, doors, gates every time you leave your property.
2.   Clear all garden tools and apparatus that will aid forced entry, from around your property.
3.   Don't leave any valuables in clear view of doors, windows or letterbox.
4.   Make it look occupied, leave lights on in the house when it is dark and you are going out or set timers for them to come on before you get home. Do the same with the radio.
5.   Install a burglar alarm system and have the box put in a visible position, further more dummy CCTV and dummy alarm boxes on other sides of the house are a good deterrent.
6.   Cancel all deliveries if you are away for even just a couple of days, i.e. Milk, newspaper.
7.   Ask a friend or neighbour to park in your drive whilst you are away and get them to keep an eye on the property for you and clear the build up of post in your letter box.
8.   Check your security light is working try and have one over the front and back door.
9.   If you are going away do not advertise it to everyone, avoid posting it on social networking sites especially.
10.   Keep sheds locked and shrubs trimmed as they provide easy hiding place for burglars to assess a property.

If you happen to be unlucky this winter period, here are some tips that if taken before hand will help your recovery from theft:

1.   Register your valuables on a possession ownership register such as Immobilise.
2.   Mark/engrave your possessions with your address.
3.   Identity theft protection - monitor your credit report especially after a burglary in case they turn out to be a sophisticated identity thief as well. Rather than having paper copies of personal documents all over you house store them in an encrypted Online Storage Vault to prevent ID theft.
4.   Install Anti-theft & Data Recovery Software on your laptop and mobile phone. Not only does it dramatically increase the chance of recovering your device and catching the thief through tracking its location but ensures all your data is safely backed up and out of harm’s way before the computer is locked down remotely.
5.   Report it. You need to file a police report as soon as possible not only so you can make an insurance claim but the police have a very small window of opportunity to find the valuables with the culprit before they get sold on.
6.   Change all online log in details. Change all your passwords to your accounts especially any online banks details, email, IM, social networks to prevent internet fraud. In fact, you should try using a password manager to make web browsing easier and more secure.

Unfortunately this time of year heightens our risk of becoming a victim of theft. Remember stay vigilant on the streets and in your home, do everything you can to prevent the opportunistic thief from getting their hands on your possessions.

Since you have been reading this article another 2 laptops/mobiles have been stolen! Make sure you are protected.

For further advice on how to protect your digital possessions visit http://anti-theft-software.co.uk

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