Burglars are often quick or impulsive decision-makers. In just a few seconds, they can judge whether a home looks like an easy target and decide if it’s worth the risk. Once inside, they typically know exactly what they’re looking for and how long they can stay without being noticed.

The good news is that you don’t need to make major changes to deter burglars. A few simple measures - used consistently - can make your property far less appealing to intruders. Our experts have put together some practical steps you can take to protect your home and put burglars off before they even try.

Get in touch with the ADT team if you’re interested in upping your home’s security even further.

Secure your doors and windows

Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars, so they’re the first place to focus. All external doors should be fitted with strong, well-maintained locks; we have a full guide on how to avoid lock snapping if this is something you’re concerned about. Ideally, this includes a deadlock and a security chain, as both provide an extra layer of protection when answering the door. Make it a habit to lock doors and windows every time you leave the house, even if you’re only popping out briefly.

If you have sliding glass doors, they can be reinforced with a metal bar or a solid wooden dowel placed inside the door track to prevent them from being forced open.

For windows, make sure all ground-floor and basement windows are closed and locked when you’re out or asleep. If you’re replacing old windows, modern uPVC frames are generally much harder to smash than older materials.

Keep keys well out of sight

While it feels simple, keys left in locks or near doors and windows can be an easy win for burglars. Letterboxes and pet flaps can sometimes be used to “fish” for keys or even unlock doors from the inside. To reduce this risk, always remove keys from locks and store them well away from entry points. The same applies to spare keys; avoid leaving them in obvious places like under plant pots or on top of door frames.

Protect valuables inside the home

Even if you have good external security, it’s sensible to take steps to protect your belongings indoors. Marking valuables with a security pen and your postcode can help recovered items find their way back to you in the unfortunate event of a break-in. It’s also worth keeping an up-to-date inventory of your belongings, including photos and serial numbers, which can be invaluable for insurance claims.

Important documents and high-value items should be stored securely and discreetly. Avoid keeping everything in one place, and don’t leave valuables on display where they can be seen through windows.

Use lighting to your advantage

Lighting is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to deter burglary. A well-lit home looks occupied and can remove hiding places around doors and windows.

When you’re out, timer switches or smart plugs can turn lights on and off automatically, making it appear like someone is home. Outdoor motion-sensor lighting is particularly effective, as it draws your attention to anyone approaching your property unexpectedly.

Take extra care when you’re away

Homes that look unoccupied are far more attractive to burglars. When you’re going away, avoid leaving obvious signs that no one is home. Small things like asking a trusted neighbour to collect post, put bins out, or keep an eye on the property can make a big difference.

Consider a camera alarm system

Finally, don’t underestimate the impact that a camera alarm system can have when deterring burglars. Visible alarms act as a strong deterrent, signalling that your property is protected and constantly monitored.

If an alarm is triggered, a monitored system like ours ensures that someone is on hand to respond quickly, even if you’re not at home. This added layer of protection can provide real peace of mind and significantly reduce the risk of a successful break-in.

Conclusion

With these steps, hopefully you feel a bit more secure in your home. Take a look at our other security guides for more advice, such as how to identify if your home has already been marked for burglary.