Home security manufacturer Micromark has revealed the extent of householders' fear of intruders in a survey released for National Home Security Week.
The research found more than a third of the population admit to feeling less safe in their homes or returning home once the dark nights draw in.

In response to these concerns, Micromark commissioned NOP to question a sample of burglars to find out what genuinely deters them from breaking into a home.

Of those burglars surveyed, three-quarters said locks and bolts did not put them off breaking into a house.

However, three-quarters cited home CCTV cameras as off-putting when targeting a property to break into. Perhaps this is because six in ten had either been caught on CCTV or knew someone else who had been.

More difficult to break into
The research also revealed that when given a choice between a property with an open window and home CCTV or a property without CCTV and all windows locked, eight in ten said they would opt to burgle the house without CCTV, despite the fact that it would be more difficult to break into.

Furthermore, when surveying a property for points of entry, six in ten of those questioned cited 'back doors' and around half 'windows above flat roofs' as the easiest ways to break into a home.

Micromark has also joined forces with TV DIY expert Tommy Walsh to offer homeowners Tommy's Top Tips for Easy Home Security. These and the main findings from the convicted burglar research are available in a leaflet entitled The Insider's Guide To Home Security, free of charge by calling Micromark on 020 8829 6354 or by downloading it from www.homesecurityweek.co.uk

This Home Office-approved leaflet also has support from Crimestoppers and the National Neighbourhood Watch Association, championing a "preventative" rather than "reactive" approach to home protection.

Three-quarters cited home CCTV cameras as off-putting when targeting a property to enter

This is important as Micromark's research also worryingly revealed that people are now so concerned about home security that 29 per cent check their homes for intruders when they return home and 17 per cent admit to carrying out their search with a weapon in hand. Commenting on Micromark's research findings and the National Home Security Week initiative, National Neighbourhood Watch Association's Director of Communications and Sponsorship, Martin Burrekoven-Kalve, said: "Everyone has a right to a safer community.

"There are many ways in which householders can protect their property without having to resort to the use of weapons.

"Being part of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and taking simple security measures such as investing in quality locks and home security products are the best deterrent."

Entry level product
But many homeowners still believe home security products are expensive. The entry level product in Micromark's range of CCTV systems, the Black and White CCTV Camera Kit (MM23106) plugs into an existing TV via the scart socket to provide high quality black & white images and the protection of CCTV at the touch of a button.

This weather-proof camera is suitable for indoor or outdoor use and has a built-in microphone so you can hear from the camera location.

* NOP survey questioned 957 nationally representative adults 18+, June 7 to 9.

Source

Security Installer