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Has your home been burgled, yet?

If you’re inclined to answer “no”, consider changing your answer to “not yet”. As Bermuda’s cost of living rises, the number of people looking to subsidize their incomes through theft will also rise. As drug use increases, so will the impulses increase to go for the quick money that burglary can offer.

Gone are the days when we could leave the house unlocked, safe in the knowledge that no one would break in. Leaving your doors or windows unlocked while you’re out these days is an invitation to burglary. Leaving them unlocked while you are in is an invitation to worse.

Be extra vigilant this week. It’s a sad fact of life that theft crime predictably goes up before Christmas. The week before Christmas is known to be a very busy time for burglars. They will take advantage of the season. While you’re out doing more shopping, they’re hoping to rip off the presents, electronics, jewels — anything to get some quick cash.

The pay-off for burglars is simple. The effect on those whose homes have been burgled is far more complex. Few are prepared for the flood of emotions that occur after a burglary. The first to appear are feelings of fear and vulnerability. Whether you were at home or not when it happened, one is fearful that the burglar might still be in the house, or that he may return (the vast majority of burglars are young men). The sense that ‘home is a castle’ is shattered — one’s possessions and even oneself are no longer safe. Every stray sound signals “danger”. One’s peace of mind is lost, perhaps forever.

Next comes anxiety about what to do. Should I call the police or not? What will the neighbours think when they show up? Will they disrupt the house looking for clues? Should I search the house to see what, if anything, was taken? For the record, one should definitely call the police, even if nothing is missing. They may have information about other burglaries that can lead to the thief’s capture. They can assign extra patrols if the neighbourhood has been targeted. At the very least, they can help rebuild a sense of security.

The last feeling to appear is anger. We are angry that someone has violated our sanctity, broken into our privacy, stolen our sense of security.

What can you do to prevent burglaries? Three first steps:

Lock up — most burglars want a quick and easy coup. Unlocked doors and windows are ideal for them. Use deadbolt locks on doors, including doors leading from a garage. Use blocking devices for sliding-glass doors and sash windows.

Light up — indoor and outdoor lighting discourage burglars. Personally, I hate the idea of more artificial lighting; it’s already hard enough to see the stars because of the blocking effect of stray light. Motion-sensors for outdoors and timers for some indoor lighting is the best compromise.

Link up — get to know and befriend your neighbours. Formal and informal neighbourhood watch groups can look out for each other. If you get burgled, let your neighbours know so they can step up their own vigilance.

Don’t wait until it actually happens. Take steps of prevention before they are needed. Especially just now. Christmas may be the season for goodwill, but it’s also the season for theft.

Prevention is best. Some websites devoted to prevention are www.crimedoctor.com and www.burglaryprevention.org.

Have a happy and safe holiday.[[In-content Ad]]

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