With the changing digital transformation, social media has gathered a lot of traction in recent years. Social media platforms allow you to connect with people and share life events and memories with your social circles. From holiday check-ins on Facebook to a brand new car post on Instagram, we see people sharing their personal information online.

Professional burglars are smart and are using social media as a potential tool to find soft targets. Nowadays, with the help of social media, burglars can track people online. Most of us are naive and do not think before putting anything in public. Information like this could benefit the burglars who find their potential targets on such platforms and pose a threat to us.

According to Swinton insurance survey, 88% of the Twitter profiles are public. In fact, 66% of Twitter users have their location in their bios. It is a huge number of people who can be tracked via their social profiles. Burglars can easily monitor locations of these people from their Twitter profiles that are apparently public.

The most common types of posts that catch burglars’ attention are:

• Weekend outings posts or check-ins
• Lunch or dinner date posts
• Day trips videos or pictures
• Long vacations stories
• New home or new car posts

The Swindon insurance study supports this fact:

• Around 568,703 people posted about their vacations.
• 3,941 people flaunted their new car.
• 15,508 people shared their new home photos on Instagram.

Never posts crucial information online that will make you or your home vulnerable. It’s always good to take precautions and be vigilant while you post critical information that might benefit burglars. 

How do Burglars use social media as a tool?

The information critical to burglars is now readily available and accessible through our social media profiles. People are posting their vacations pictures, putting check-ins. On top of it, the geo-tagging feature lets your location visible to everyone.

Isn’t it sending an open invitation to the burglars finding their targets over social media?

Technology has brought in a lot of ease and comfort into everyone’s life, including burglars too. Burglars use social media to get all the information they would need to find targets.

Some common tactics that burglars follow on social media.

• Use of Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to track people who are travelling. All of these information can be tracked through our online check-ins and posts.
• GPS enabled features known as geo-tagging give a real-time location to the burglars. Many social media apps use this feature when you upload your photos or videos online. In fact, your smartphone camera tags all your digital images and stores them as metadata that a software can read. 
• Google street view helps burglars to get a view of the location and its surroundings. It helps them to plan out their entry and exit based on their target location.

Let’s say you’re on your way to Europe for a holiday. You put airport check-ins, photos and videos about your vacations.

Now if a burglar who finds your profile online will have solid information about you especially if your Instagram account is open.

They can easily plan out and execute the burglary because they have got all the critical information about you through your social profile.

Usually, an average burglary takes about 10 minutes. But in such a scenario, the burglar is going to spend more time as the house is empty.

On top of it if you have put up a post about your new car then the burglar would surely know what he has to look for in your house- YOUR CAR KEYS.

Social Media Burglary can impact your Insurance Policy

Insurance companies have started rejecting insurance claims of people where social media posts have triggered burglaries.

The Financial Ombudsman and local police have constantly asked people not to post on social media especially when they are on a vacation. It leads to possible burglaries at your home while you are still enjoying your vacations.

Insurers have now incorporated policies that require customers to take “reasonable care” to keep their property secure. Posting pictures about trips or new purchases will be considered a breach of this policy. There were cases in the past where people were burgled after they have put pictures online while they were still on vacations.

According to Admiral insurers’ research,  one in 20 homeowners reported an insurance claim against a burglary that happened while they were was on holidays. Another survey by interiors firm Hillary found that one in 12 Britons had been burgled after posting their location on social media.

Insurance companies emphasise protecting the property against any accidents, damages and burglaries. They also prohibit and restrict sharing pictures only with your friends and families.

How to protect yourself from social media burglary?

• Don’t put your images on social media while you’re still travelling. Wait till you get back. These days your private life is no longer personal, thanks to social media. Anyone can browse through your profile to get details about you such as your work place, upcoming events to attend, travel and day out plans. Watch out before you post any such details online. Always share your personal information discreetly.
• Be wary of strangers that approach you online and never accept requests from these people. You might have a common connection, however always check with your mutual friends before you connect with them. You never know that the person might turn out to be a fraud. Have a thorough check before you let people connect to you on social media.
• If you receive a friend’s request from one of your friends who is already connected to you, please check it before adding them. There is a good chance that this is a fake profile created with malicious intentions.
• Manage your social media profiles smartly and limit to just friends and families. Use your privacy settings to lock your profile. This way, you know that you’re around safe people whom you know personally.
• Never share pictures of your recent purchases especially if they are expensive. Nowadays, it’s quite common for people to brag about their new car or give a tour of their new home. But have you ever thought that this might give clues to the burglars and make their work easier?
• People nowadays can be seen posting about their daily routine online and sharing their upcoming trip or an event. This gives the burglars with an excellent opportunity to identify their targets online. Please try to keep your life discreet and share your data consciously.

Summary

Social media has undoubtedly made socialising easier. But at the same time, it has made easier for burglars to identify potential targets. Too much data sharing can attract a lot of attention and cause trouble. Always take the necessary precautions before sharing anything online.

To stay one step ahead of the burglars, you can always get a security system that fits your needs. A security system would ensure that your home is secure and prevent burglars from attempting to break into your premises.

FHA is a multi-award winning security installer based in England that helps people secure their homes with their comprehensive security systems. We offer free security consultation, carry out a free survey, and provide customised security quotes for enhanced security.

If you have a similar requirement and need a consultation, please contact our team. You can reach us by phone at 020 31378727, 0800 1938727, or request a call back at the given time.

The time has come when you would no longer use landline technology. Yes, you heard it right! Landline (PSTN) technology is coming to an end affecting nearly 14 million people across the UK. Communication providers such as British Telecom have recently taken a decision to switch from PSTN to digital landline by 2025. It is a significant technological evolution that would eventually bring benefits for users.

In earlier times, voice services were offered via PSTN copper cables in homes, which is a circuit-switched technology. As technology evolved, companies have built modern network technologies like Internet protocol that support and deliver voice services offering better quality to consumers.

There are millions of individuals still using PSTN-based landline systems. Around eight in every ten households in the United Kingdom have landline service. A survey in April 2021 says that almost 40% of people in the UK have stopped using landline phones.

With people switching to Internet-based or mobile connectivity, there is still a large chunk of people who are still completely dependent on landline services. A recent Ofcom survey predicts that around 4% of adults in the UK use only landline networks and do not have a mobile phone.

PSTN equipment is not only expensive to maintain, but the call quality is not very great. With improved technology, telecom companies have decided to replace copper lines with fiber-optic cables offering better quality services. Operators such as Open Reach have already begun to transition their consumers from PSTN to Internet-based services.

Impact on Consumers

When PSTN or traditional landline phones become obsolete, people will have to transition to digital landline technologies to ensure the continuity of telephone services. The migration process is pretty simple as users can contact their existing service provider. Alternatively, they can even look at switching to another service provider if they wish to. As 2025 deadline looms, your current provider will notify of the upgradation to a digital landline.

The switchover of PSTN to VoIP will directly impact a lot of devices that use landline connectivity.

• home burglar alarms and security systems
• public traffic lights
• cash machines
• railway signals
• motorway signs

A recent survey shows that there are more than 9 million alarm systems that people are using across the UK, of which around 33% use PSTN connections.

People who are already in the process of migrating to VoIP should consider the following.

• Your security system will either stop signalling or fail to signal when you upgrade your communication technology to a digital landline. It may pick up a communication failure error and beep intermittently.
• The traditional old security systems that are built and supported only by circuit-switched technology and are not compatible with any other technology.
• It is highly recommended that you always talk to your security installer before migration starts. The last thing you want your alarm system to do is to cause trouble and stop working abruptly.
• The best way is to upgrade your alarm system that works with new and modern technologies, as most traditional systems are no longer manufactured or supported.

Your Options

A) Upgrade communication modules

With PSTN technology going obsolete, people will have to upgrade their alarm systems to ensure service continuity. However, you may still be able to upgrade the communication module within your existing burglar alarm system instead of completely upgrading to a new system.

Burglar alarms support different communication modules and allow you to upgrade from the PSTN landline to the following modules.

1) Internet Protocol module

The IP module connects the alarm system to the IP receiver, the broadband router at your home, allowing the critical components like motion sensors and camera detectors to communicate with the control panel that sends alerts to the user in real time a smart phone app push notifications or email notifications.

2) GSM module

Add an integrated GSM communication to initiate communication between the system and the user. No other communication module is needed and works independently of the technology you use at home. The unit will require a sim card (pre-paid or on a monthly contract) to notify you by calls or text messages depending on the features in your control panel.

B) Upgrade your home alarm system

But not every home alarm system is viable for upgrades. If you’re not sure if your system is eligible for upgrades, please get in touch, and we can have a chat about your options.

If your security system does not allow for communication upgrades or is over seven years of age or older, it may be worth considering a complete upgrade.

Burglar Alarm Systems are transforming

Throughout the article, we’re talking about how consumer needs are changing, and so is technology, and how we can leverage it to make our lives smarter, better, and more secure. The security industry has also revolutionised by changing consumer behavior and technological evolution. Security systems are no longer a standard call-alert systems that will ring you when someone breaks in. Instead, it has become a smart, proactive system that gives you real-time access to your system. It uses cloud services to integrate your security system into a phone that can be accessed anywhere, at any time.

You have everything stored on the cloud and have access to it in real time via your phone app. For instance, if you want to access your home footage from previous days, you can immediately access it through the cloud app on your smartphone. It is easy for people to access critical footage at their convenience and self-monitor their homes on the go.

• Arm and disarm your system remotely via the app
• Real-time notification with visual verification feature
• Live video feature to keep a check on your premise
• Full control of your system without physically accessing it from your home
• Integrate other smart devices into your phone
• Automate devices and manage them efficiently from your smartphone
• Pro-actively sending automated reminders to take necessary actions such as disarming the system in case you forgot when you left your home

Let’s talk about your requirement

If you’re using an old system and unsure how the landline change will affect your alarm system, we’ll be happy to help you out. If you are unsure whether your landline or analog or digital, again we will be happy to help you find out.

We are a leading security installer specialising in customised security systems for all types of property. We have solutions designed for every requirement, and we work with some of the most advanced security systems. You can contact us to discuss your needs, and our experts will be happy to help you with the best options.

If necessary, we can also perform a quick property survey free of charge and recommend an upgrade or a completely new security solution. Let us help you stay safe with the best security system that meets and fulfills your requirements. Please contact us or call us at 020 313 78727 or 0800 193 8727.

1) Escape your house

As much as we do not want to be a victim of such a crime, we must have a plan in place if we are stuck in a situation like this.

The first thing you should think of is to escape and immediately reach a safe place. You may need to take an unusual route to get out of your house. But that’s the best way to make sure you don’t get hurt because you don’t know the intentions of these intruders. Maybe they’re carrying a weapon that could harm you.

You can pop into your neighbour’s home, too, if you’re not sure where to go. Alternatively, if possible, you can pick up your car keys and lock yourself in there.

Once you’re sure you’re safe, the next thing you need to do is call the police at 999 and give them important details — your name, your complete address, and what’s the emergency.

Wait until the police arrive.

2) Lock yourself in a room

In this situation, it may not be possible for all of us to escape from our house. In that case, lock yourself in a room that’s safe for you. You know, the intruder might try to break your door. It is, therefore, best to lock yourself in a room with a sturdy door. Try to do it without making any noise as it might attract the attention of the intruder.

Once you’ve locked yourself up, call the police immediately. Dial 999 and provide the necessary details. Until the police arrive, stay tight and stay calm.

3) Maintain silence

Once you’ve informed the police, stay quiet and listen to what’s going on. There might be more than one intruder in your house. It’s best to hear their plan and get as many details as you can. It will certainly help the police in their investigation.

Now some of us might get in a panic mode and make some noise. This could alert the intruders, and they might come after you. This isn’t exactly what you want to happen.

Some people might even try to confront them with a weapon like a baseball or a hard object. Don’t try to get hold of the intruder unless you’re a trained professional. You never know what they’re capable of. They might even be carrying any weapon with themselves that might hurt you.

It’s best to remain silent until the help comes.

4) Be prepared to defend yourself

It’s best to keep a tough object around you that you can use to defend yourself in case you’re stuck in a similar situation. It could be something like a baseball or a knife. The aim is to defend yourself in the event in case they reach out to you in your room before you can do anything.

If that’s the case, try hitting the intruder at the weakest point, like the eyes, nose, knees, or neck. You can even keep a spray close to you that you can use if you need it.

5) Have a plan in place for your family

If you have a family at home with you, make sure you’ve discussed with each of them about what to do if you’re in a situation like that. You should train them well, especially if you have children at home. You might want to talk about meeting in a commonplace, maybe a room in your house. Or get away from the house and pop into your neighbour’s home. But if none of these options is possible for them, they can even lock themselves in their room and stay put until the help arrives.

The option will vary depending on the situation you’re in. Make sure you’ve been thinking about every possibility with your family members and have an action plan well in advance.

This is going to help you and your family, and it won’t be a shock for anyone when you are in a similar situation.

Home Security Advice

Nobody wants to be a victim of burglary. And most of us are even trying our best by taking preventive measures to secure our homes. This is where a home alarm system can be a blessing to us. It’s a threat to the life of a burglar, as they alert you immediately if an intrusion is suspected and call for help. It will either call the local police directly or a third party who is monitoring your home. Even a CCTV system is quite efficient and records the footage 24 * 7.

Burglars are often afraid of these systems, as it may interrupt their work once it has been triggered. They even avoid attacking houses with a security system, which is easily spotted from outside. It’s best to have an alarm or a CCTV system installed in your home to scare the burglars.

FHA Security is a home security expert offering a wide range of fully customised alarm systems and CCTVs for your property.

If you’re looking to set up a security system in your home, please get in touch with us. Our team of experts will conduct a property survey and provide you with the best recommendations for your property.  

It is essential to understand how and why these burglaries are happening as this is going to help us get a better understanding of the issue. And we can then take appropriate steps to protect our homes accordingly.

In a way, this article will help you get a perspective on why some homes are being burgled.

What do burglars steal?

Before we discuss why burglars target homes, it’s crucial to understand what they’re looking for. These guys are pretty smart. They’re keeping an eye on your homes to identify the valuables.

Lets us look at some of the most common stolen things during domestic burglaries.

• Cash– Cash is the most common thing burglars look for in any house they break-in. Because it’s easy for them to carry and use it unidentified, it is better not to keep a large amount of cash at home until it is urgent.
• Jewellery– Jewellery is another most common thing that attracts their attention. They’re super handy and easy to carry. They can also get a good deal on the sale. Therefore, it’s better to keep your expensive jewellery in a safe place or a locker in your nearest branch.
• Electronics items: Electronic gadgets, such as your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet, are also often stolen in domestic burglaries. Be careful with all the confidential data you have on your device because these people might misuse the data that can cause you trouble in the future.
• Luxury Cars: If you’ve got a fancy car parked in your home, the burglar might be looking for the keys to your car.
• Personal details: They’re also looking to gain access to your details, such as your bank details. This will give them access to your accounts, which is a major threat to your hard-earned money.

Why do burglars target a home?

1) Because no one is at home

The most appropriate time for any burglar to break in is during the day. The reason is that most of us are not at home during the daytime. This makes it super easy for them to get into the house quickly without getting caught. They even prefer to break in during holiday time when people are out on vacation.

It is often seen that it is difficult for people to take immediate action if they do not have a security system installed. Because they don’t know what’s going on in their house in their absence, it is therefore recommended that you secure your homes with a security system.

Burglar alarms are one of the most efficient systems that make your home burglar-proof. In case there is an intrusion, it sends you an alert. This will allow you to take the necessary action to stop the burglars from stealing your valuables.

2) Because the doors and windows were open

Burglars always look for an easy entry point to make their job easy. And an unlocked door or a window encourages them to make a move into the property. We do, though, lock our doors and windows before we leave our home or go to bed. But sometimes we’re in a rush, leaving doors or windows open. It’s like an open invitation to the burglars. Don’t ever commit this mistake. This is a precaution that everyone should take without even thinking.

Even if your doors and windows were locked, these people would try to break in by smashing it. It is better to use good quality doors and windows that cannot be easily broken.

3) A pile of unattended mails at your mailbox

A pile of unattended mails in your mailbox is a sign that you’re not at home. And a vacant property is an ideal target for the burglars. These people mainly target properties where there is no sign of human activity. That’s because it involves minimal risk of getting caught. They can further quickly finish off their job without interruption.

Never send such signals to the strangers unintentionally. Therefore, always try to get rid of your mails regularly. And if you’re on vacation, ask your neighbours or friends to pick it up for you.

4) Open backyard

Burglars try to squeeze through the unfenced backyard. It is one of the best ways to get into a property without catching anyone’s attention. They always look out for convenient ways; therefore, properties with an unfenced backyard are always at a higher risk.

We should never, however, make a burglar’s life simple. Try to make their attempts unsuccessful at all possible entry points. Like if you have got an open backyard, it is worth putting a fence around it.

5) No sign of an alarm system

Home Security is essential, and a proactive approach can help you eliminate any risk that might exist. However, most of us are delusional and are just waiting for things to happen to act. People, in general, install an alarm system after they have been burgled.

But why wait when you can prevent it from happening in the first place.

Having an alarm system in your home makes your home burglar-proof. It’s like you have a 24 * 7 security guard at your home. There are even advanced alarm systems that allow you to monitor everything from your phone remotely.

This is very efficient and beneficial for the properties that are prone to burglaries. This way, if there is an attempt, you can be alerted.

It’s an investment worth every penny. You can always look at the most suitable system based on your requirements. If you have limited knowledge about these systems, then you can always consult a professional security provider for the best recommendations.

6) No sign of a barking dog at home

Burglars prefer to stay away from home with a loud, barking dog. Because they tend to get the attention of homeowners or neighbours while they’re doing their job. It can be a hindrance to their job, making their lives miserable.

So, if you’ve got a dog at home, make sure it’s obvious to strangers. You can even put a sign outside of your property. This will alert the intruders, and it can change their minds.

7) Valuable items visible from your window

People often unintentionally display their valuables to strangers through their windows. It could be your car keys or wallet full of cash, or maybe your tablet.

This could attract the burglars to target your home because now they know what they need to steal. This becomes quick and easy for them to implement. And you could end up being a victim of another burglary.

Always make a habit of keeping your valuables in a safe place. So that none of your valuables are on display that can draw the attention of strangers. It would be best if you also use blinds when you’re not at home or at night. This is going to keep you and your things protected from these offenders.

8) Because you were already burgled

Burglars tend to target the same property that they’ve already burgled. Because targeting a new property puts them at greater risk. And if you haven’t already installed a security system, you’re at risk!

A familiar property makes it easy for them to do their job, as they are aware of the interiors and all entry and exit points. They can easily find your valuables inside the home.

Never underestimate their capabilities as they are professionals.

Protect your home from the burglars

A safe and secure home is all we want for ourselves and our family.

However, burglary can be controlled by taking appropriate actions at the right time.

Practising and implementing security measures will provide your family with a safe and secure environment. Also, it’ll keep your mind at peace, and you don’t need to worry about it every time you’re out on vacation.

Please read our blog on 10 security tips to protect your homes and make your home burglar-proof.

In last few years, the use of CCTV cameras has increased tremendously. It is quite common to spot these cameras in the public places for surveillance and monitoring purpose. Public authorities rely heavily on these systems to monitor any suspicious activities and combat crimes.

CCTV has gradually found a place in residential properties as well. With domestic burglaries on the rise, people have begun to install CCTV systems in their homes, which have a significant impact on home security.

Without a doubt, CCTV is one of the most effective burglar deterrents. But do you know it comes with additional responsibilities if you are setting it up on a residential property? Especially if your camera is recording footage outside your premises like your next-door neighbor’s garden.

If you have a CCTV system in your home, you must follow certain laws. These are typically the UK data protection laws, GDPR and DPA, as regulated by the ICO. This is in accordance with other people’s privacy, which should be respected.

Key things to consider if you are using a CCTV at a domestic property

If you have a CCTV system at your home, make sure it is not invading other people’s privacy. It should only service the main purpose of deterring intruders who might trespass on your property. 

The following are some key aspects that you should take care of when using a CCTV at a residential property.

• Before deciding on a CCTV system, make sure you have thoroughly researched all of your options. Always consider other options and validate the best security options that meet your needs.
• Identify the key areas in your property where you would like to install the cameras.
• Make sure you have positioned the cameras in such a way that it does not invade your neighbour’s privacy.
• Avoid using the audio recording facility as it can interfere with other people’s privacy. But if you are using it then make sure you delete it once it serves its purpose.
• Most importantly, you should always consult a professional CCTV installer. A professional installer can assess your needs and help you find the the best system, as well as ensuring proper installation and maintenance.

What measures should be taken to avoid violation of the law

The data protection laws don’t apply to you if your CCTV is not recording footage beyond your private property. But don’t worry if you camera is capturing footage outside your premises. It doesn’t mean that you have broken the laws. But because you possess private data that belong to other people. Therefore that puts you in a position wherein you are required to responsibly handle the data that doesn’t breach anyone’s privacy.

Some important things to remember. 

• You are the sole owner of all information stored in your system. Because you own the data, you must ensure that it is not being misused. For example, you cannot share these recordings online or with anyone else.
• Always be informed about the data protection rights of other people. As per the GPDR law, an individual has certain rights concerning their data possessed by the other party. So, if you receive a request from people to access or delete their data, make sure you are doing the needful until you have a legal reason not to fulfil their request.
• You should be aware of your data protection rights and responsibilities. According to the GPDR law, an individual has rights in relation to their data that is held by the other party. So, if you receive a request from someone to access or delete their data, make sure you comply with their request until you have a legal reason not to.
• It is always preferable to post a sign outside your property indicating that the property is under surveillance. You can also speak to your neighbours before you install it. This will also give you an idea if they have any concerns about the surveillance.
• Once you’ve reviewed the video, make sure to remove it from your surveillance system. It’s pointless to keep these recordings if they’re not going to be useful in the future. Some recordings can be extremely important during a police investigation. As a result, make sure you understand what information is critical and what is not.

What if I do not comply with these laws?

Every homeowner who has a CCTV system in their home should be aware of the relevant laws. If you fail to meet your obligations, you will face serious consequences. It may result in ICO enforcement, in which you may be fined or even dragged to court by the individual concerned for violating their privacy.

Conclusion

When you are looking to install a CCTV at your home (residential property), make sure you are aware of the legal guidelines. You can always refer to a professional CCTV installer who can guide you. These are professional installers who are familiar and can train you on how to handle it. They can also share other critical information related to CCTV like regular maintenance of the equipment after it is installed.

FHA is a home security installation company that focuses on assisting people in protecting what is important to them. FHA specialises in custom security solutions that are tailored to your needs.

If you are looking to install a CCTV and want additional information, you can contact us.

How do these burglars operate?

These people may be anyone, male or female, young or old, working independently or in a gang. They plan to gain access to your house in some way by either posing as a supplier or an official or someone in need of your support. They will convince you to believe them by constructing a hypothetical scenario.

Their motive is to get access to your home by faking their identity and stealing all of the valuables. They often seem to target the elderly and vulnerable.

You should be wary of these people because they can trick you with fake paperwork and identity cards.

Best is not to respond to these people and let them remain outside your premise. Don’t entertain them by opening your doors.

Some common identities used by the burglars to disguise themselves.

• A police officer
• An agent from a gas or water company
• A door to door salesperson
• Someone from Charity
• Someone who needs your urgent help
• A council worker
• A builder or a gardener

How to Prevent a Distraction Burglary?

1. Don’t allow any stranger in your house

Don’t permit anyone into your home unless you have arranged an appointment with one of your suppliers and expect someone to be there. To tackle these problems, follow the steps below.

• Lock- All doors should always be locked.
• Stop- Don’t open the door right away.
• Chain- Use the door chain or spy hole
• Check- Don’t open the door if not recognised.

2.  Call for help if you suspect the visitor

Call your neighbours or any friends who are staying nearby until you open the door.

3. Check their IDs

Remember always first to ask their IDs to check whether they’re real or fake. You can either use the phone book or the bills to find the contact information of the respective supplier and check that someone has been sent. Please don’t refer to the number provided by them, as it might be a trap.

Often these callers are real, and unlike fake callers, they’re going to be able to wait outside and never be in a rush or place you in a high-pressure situation if someone pretends to be a police officer, dial 999 and cross-check immediately.

4. Lock all the doors and windows

Make sure all the doors are locked properly because these criminals also operate in groups where one of them will try to get in from the back door, and another will keep you occupied through the front door

5. Hide your valuables

Please don’t keep a huge amount of cash at home; you can keep it safe at your nearest branch. Keep your valuables safe, too.

6. Find Support

You can register with local Neighbourhood Schemes that help you live a safer life and fight crimes in your area. 

7. Call Police

If you think a fake caller has just approached you, don’t open the door and dial 999 immediately.

Useful Contacts

Following is a list of contacts that you can use when you encounter bogus or fake callers at your doorstep. 

• Consumer Direct – Consumer Direct, now run by Citizens Advice, a service introduced by the government to offer basic consumer advice to the public. They can be reached on 03454040506 about trader contact queries.
• Energy suppliers – With PSR (Priority Service Register), you can set your gas and electricity suppliers password each time they visit your home for any service call. PSR is an autonomous, free service offered by every supplier. To get registered, you may contact your respective supplier.
• Water suppliers – Contact the water supplier to check if the person pretending to be from that business is real via the telephone directory or the contact details on your bill.
• Local Police – Call 999 if you feel suspicious of someone who has approached you at your doorstep.
• Victim Support – If you have been a victim of distraction burglary, you have an opportunity to get in contact with Victim Support. The police usually exchange the information, and someone from the group gets in touch with you to provide support. They can also be contacted on their free support line 08 08 16 89 111.
• Neighbourhood Watch Network – Find your Neighbourhood Watch Network scheme based on your area or get in touch with them on 0116 402 6111.

Contact Us

Distraction burglary is a common crime, and often people fall for it. Even if you are taking enough measures, sometimes it is difficult to figure out the intentions of these burglars in the first place as they are trained professionals.

This is where we always recommend our customers to go with a home security system for added protection. Burglars usually avoid targeting properties with a security system. 

We are a home security company offering a wide range of security systems- burglar alarms, CCTV and smart security alarms. If you are looking to get a home security system for your property, give us a call on 020 3137 8727 or 0800 193 8727, and one of our experts can help you with your requirements.

1. Avoid touching your face with your unwashed hands

Try to keep your hands off your face when you are out. Our hands are prone to get the virus, as we often touch surfaces that might be contaminated. So, until your hands are washed and clean, don’t touch your face.  Especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as the virus might get inside your body and cause illness.

2. Practice social distancing

Make sure you’re at least 6 feet away from others when in public. Nearly all supermarkets are now adapting social distancing.  They have marked spots within the store for people who are standing in a queue to maintain the desired distance. Some shops also allow a limited number of people within the store at a given time to minimize human interaction.

3. Wash your hands regularly

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, you can use at least 60% alcohol-containing hand sanitizer. Especially if you have been in public or if you have coughed or sneezed.

4. Use a face mask and wipe

Make a habit of covering your face with a mask and carry wipes when you step out of your home. Masks like N95 are effective against sneezing or cough droplets.

5. Avoid non-essential travel

It’s best to stay at home and not to travel unless it’s urgent. Step out only when you need to go shopping at a grocery store or a pharmacy, or if you want to exercise.

6. Avoid public meetings

Don’t encourage or engage in any social gathering or public meetings. We know that cases are increasing rapidly daily. Therefore, it is best to maintain minimal human interaction as the virus is transmitted through direct contact.

7. Isolate yourself if you’re not well

Get in touch with your nearest health care provider if you are sick. Get a COVID-19 test from your nearest healthcare centre. It is best to stay in quarantine for at least 14 days and seek medical help if symptoms get worse.

8. Use a tissue to cough or sneeze

Always use a tissue to cough or sneeze and discard it in the dustbin immediately. In case you don’t have a tissue, cover your face with your elbow and sanitise your hand immediately. Coughing or sneezing in the open can lead to transmission, as the virus can carry up to 7 meters in the air.

9. Go cashless

Don’t use cash. Instead, use your bank card or contactless payment method for in-store purchase. The virus easily clings to the surface of the physical notes, which can easily enter your body through your hands.

10. Stay connected to your loved ones

Make sure you are not visiting your friends and families. You should connect with them via phone calls or messages. Avoid physical meetings unless urgent. You must communicate with your loved ones in these difficult times and make sure that everyone is safe and healthy.

11. Exercise regularly

It could be monotonous and exhausting for you to sit back home. Therefore, try to engage in some physical activity. Devote at least 30-45 minutes to your health care regime. Remember, you need to be physically and mentally healthy.

12. Clean the household surfaces regularly

It is equally important to maintain the hygiene of your home. Use an anti-bacterial cleanser or disinfectant to clean your house surface regularly. This will avoid any possibility of contamination and will maintain the overall hygiene of your home.

13. Clean and wash your groceries properly

After your grocery shopping, don’t forget to clean them with water. Do not consume them without washing them properly, as a lot of people handles them. Avoid buying loose products, buy packaged products instead.

14. Beware of frauds

There have been cases recently where intruders tried to get access to homes. They pretended to be a health worker and approached people at their doorstep to test coronavirus symptoms. Watch out for these people as they’re trying to get access to your home to steal things. This is often known as distraction burglary. Offenders present themselves as officials and create an urgency to get access to your home and steal all the valuables. Read our distraction burglary blog to learn more about how to avoid such incidents to stay safe.

15. Stay safe

Make sure your security system is armed while you are leaving your home or going to bed at night. These offenders are out and waiting for the right opportunity to break into your house. Don’t fall into this trap and make sure you stay safe in your home.

Contact Us

We are a home security installer offering home security solutions to residential and commercial properties. To get more information about the home security system, call us on 020-3137 8727, 0800 193 8727 or visit FHA Security.