Staying Safe at Home by Chris Marshall

Burglaries on properties whilst the occupiers are in are very rare as are attacks on people in their own home. However, there are a few simple precautions that you can take to make yourself and your family feel safer.

When you are at home try not to leave windows open and doors unlocked that you cannot see, particularly those on the ground floor. The same applies at night with leaving windows open. If you have latches that allow you open windows slightly but without them then being able to be opened more then use them.

Never leave a key under a doormat, garden object or in fact anywhere where someone could find it to gain access to your house. If you are concerned about who might have keys to your property then change the locks or ask your landlord to do so. Never give keys to anyone that you do not know regardless of the reasons - they could easily get them copied, and even sold on, to gain access to your house.

Don't let people into your house that you do not know. Use security devices such as peep holes, door chains and bars in order to establish the reason for unexpected caller's visits and don't let them in without an appointment and proper identification.

If you notice someone suspicious in your area or around your property then keep an eye on their movements and try and make a note of their description and any vehicles they may be using. Consider contacting a neighbour or friend or relative in the local area, or if you think a crime is in the process of being committed then contact the police. Sometimes a loud noise, such as a door banging, can be enough to scare off prowlers as they will not want people to know that they are there.

Should someone gain access to your property whilst you are in then you should consider letting them take what they want in order to avoid personal injury to you and your family. Most items will be covered by insurance and can be replaced whereas your health and wellbeing cannot always be guaranteed.

You are allowed to use reasonable force to remove someone from your property. If you do end up in a situation where you have to fight back you can use legal items you have with you such as an umbrella, bag or keys. You can not use anything that could be defined by the law as an offensive weapon, not even to defend yourself. Reasonable force allows you to strike an attacker with the amount of force that stops yourself from being attacked. This means you can use enough force to allow yourself to get away. Once an attacker is floored or incapicitated then do not stop to continue attacking them, getaway as quickly as you can and raise the alarm. Stopping to continue an attack could put you in more danger and force beyond "reasonable force" could lead to you facing an assault, or worse, charge.

Author Resource: Home Secured discusses home security options for all households regardless of what type of property you live in. Find out more about securing your home to keep you, your family and your possessions safe at http://www.home-secured.com.

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