To protect yourself from robbers, use layered security at home (alarms, cameras, good locks, lighting) and practice situational awareness in public (stay aware, look confident, secure valuables). If confronted, comply during a robbery to minimize risk, as the primary goal is often valuables, not harm; have an escape plan if possible and call the police from a safe location.
In particular, motion sensor lighting can be a great way to startle burglars approaching your home. These work in a few ways. Firstly, a bright light coming on suddenly may surprise someone approaching your house. This can throw a burglar off their plan and send them on their way.
Stick to well lighted streets and well-populated areas – Avoid shortcuts, wooded areas, alleys, and isolated parking lots and garages. Safety in numbers – Walk with friends or in a group. Never flash large amounts of money or other valuables – Robbers are often tempted by money, jewelry, clothing, and electronics.
Protect yourself from street robbery
Good-quality doors, windows and locks are excellent deterrents, but there's even more you can do to stop burglars in their tracks. Make your valuables less attractive to thieves by using a property or police approved forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet (UV) light.
7 things that burglars hate
Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars, so near these entry points is often the first place they look for any valuables. Burglars also know many homeowners hide their house key near the front door, making it easier for them to break in within minutes or even seconds.
How To Outsmart Burglars
On Public Streets
Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic. Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide.
If you are mugged, don't put yourself at more risk - as soon as you can, get somewhere safe quickly and contact your family and the police. Scream and shout, but hand over whatever you're asked for. It's better to run and be safe than fight and get hurt.
18 Ways to Theft-Proof Your Home Inside and Out
Real-World Example: Defending Yourself in a Home Invasion
If those intruders advance on you, using that object to defend yourself—even forcefully—can be a lawful act of self-defence. However, once the threat is over—say, the intruders run away—it's not lawful to chase after them and attack.
Either way, houses with entry points weakened by disrepair, residents who leave doors or windows unlocked routinely, or homes with weakened security (like broken alarms) are more likely to be successfully burgled.
5 Secrets burglars don't want you to know
How to catch a thief, burglar or vandal at night? You should invest in a security camera with night vision. The infrared LEDs of security cameras enable long night vision distance, which allows you to view crystal clear videos/images in low-light conditions.
5 Tips for Making Your Home Less of a Target for Burglars
Sturdy fences and gates with good locks are a strong deterrent to thieves. Ensure that landscaping is free from potential 'hiding places' for thieves.
Seven Basic General Industry Safety Rules
Communication, Vigilance, Confidence, Courage, Compassion. These traits define an effective security professional. Why is vigilance important? Vigilance allows guards to detect threats early and prevent incidents.
Alarm Systems
Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! Any indication that your home has a security system, such as yard signs, window stickers and a big alarm box, can act as a burglar deterrent and help prevent your home from being burgled.
Sign 1: Your Personal Belongings Are in Disarray
(See how to secure cash, jewelry, laptop and electronics from home theft for practical security tips.) Check your valuable items and if you find they are gone, then you can confirm you just suffered a robbery or home theft.
Burglars also don't want to spend too long in your house, so they'll likely take off with whatever is handy and profitable. Jewellery, consumer electronics like phones, tablets and laptops as well as portable hardware tools and equipment all rank highly as stolen goods claimed under insurance[1].
Hiding Places to Avoid:
What are the most common indicators that burglars are scouting a home?
The burglars in this particular study did not come to a clear consensus on whether lighting was a sufficient deterrent: "Responses were mixed regarding lights on in a home. Some said it was a deterrent. But one burglar said the combination of lights on and blinds closed created an attractive location."