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Domestic Burglaries increased by four per cent compared to the previous year’s figures, according to Home Office crime statistics for July to September 2008.

This is the first significant rise for some years and with worsening economic conditions there may be a continuing upward trend for some time.

Julian Stanton of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) comments:

Until now, domestic burglaries had been steadily falling since 1997, down by 55 per cent but it is difficult to quantify whether this drop was due to economic trends or to the impact of crime prevention measures taken by home owners.

There is undoubtedly a correlation between burglaries and recession, but just as at any time, sensible security measures will considerably reduce your chance of becoming a burglary victim. In light of this, now is a good time for you to review your home security, just to be sure you are fully protected.

We recommend you begin by contacting your local Police who will offer impartial crime prevention advice. Furthermore, intruder alarms and even CCTV in high value or higher risk properties may be security measures worth considering as well.

However, you should ensure that any electronic security installation company you choose can prove that they meet recognised industry standards by being approved by the NSI, the UK’s leading security inspectorate.

And be warned. The increase in burglary statistics will be gleefully exploited by unscrupulous security companies, who may paint a picture of impending doom to the unsuspecting householder. Therefore you should be very wary of unregulated security companies playing heavily on these statistics and other negative reports in the press. Good security companies will do no more than acknowledge official figures and won’t use them for pressure-selling their products.

Seven steps to follow when considering electronic security:

Obtain impartial advice as to which security measures will increase your property’s protection.

Check with your insurance company who may give you a discount if you have a professionally installed intruder alarm.

Contact and request quotes from at least three NSI approved installers that are currently identified on our website www.nsi.org.uk. Provide them with details of any insurer requirements.

Ensure each of these companies visits your property to conduct a risk assessment before submitting a quote. Without doing this they cannot provide you with an accurate quote, as each property’s risk levels are unique.

Do not rush into signing a contract. Understand what you get for your money. The cheapest deal may not always be the best. Seek further advice if necessary.

When your alarm is installed, make sure your installation company provides you with a Certificate of Compliance which you made need as evidence for your insurer.

Take out a maintenance contract to ensure your system remains effective for years to come. Without this, your system may degrade and fail you when it’s most needed.