Do Camera Really Deter Thiefs

Burglars are most likely to be put off breaking into homes by CCTV cameras and barking dogs, co-ordinate to a panel of old criminals.

Nearly half of the 12 one-time burglars consulted by Co-op Insurance said most thieves were opportunists wandering the streets who would avoid difficult break-ins that were likely to attract attending.

The most constructive deterrents for abode burglaries and car theft were CCTV cameras, the panel said.

They also named loud barking dogs, strong heavy doors, a TV being switched on and locked UPVC windows equally the next most likely to put them off breaking into a home.

However, infiltrator alarms were only No 13 on their listing of deterrents.

Criminals were also probable to exist put off breaking into or stealing cars by street lighting, an alarm, and a vehicle being parked in a driveway.

In order of importance, burglars would be seeking cash, jewellery, electrical equipment such as TVs, phones and tablets, laptops and car keys, the panel said.

Co-op Insurance also surveyed 2,000 people in the UK about their home and motorcar security. It found that 28% of adults took no measures to protect their property.

L-five per cent of those polled slept with their windows open at night, 24% left their doors unlocked while at home, and 12% left their garden gates open.

A fifth of respondents said they posted photographs online showing they were on vacation, inadvertently drawing attention to their empty firm.

In July, Kingston crown court heard how £400,000 of jewellery and designer goods were stolen from former England and Chelsea footballer John Terry's home subsequently he posted a photo of his ski holiday on social media.

Footballer John Terry. Photograph: AFP/Getty

Terry's £5m mansion was broken into in Feb after he posed for pictures on the slopes with his family unit, revealing to his iii.4 million Instagram followers that he was having a "neat few days away skiing with the family".

Former banking concern robber Noel "Razor" Smith, who has carried out more than 200 robberies and served a full of 32 years behind bars for commercial burglaries, said: "Bragging about your holidays on social media is an absolute no-no. It's only saying 'come and burgle my house'. Organised gangs are having a field day.

"Most burglars want to be in and out of a firm in less than five minutes. But there are some very unproblematic steps everyone can take to make our homes more secure and keep our valuables safe."

He said friendly and attentive neighbours could help by spotting any unusual behaviour by strangers.

"Information technology'southward a myth that burglars all wear shellsuits, trainers and carry swag bags," Smith said. "Today's burglars may be unrecognisable – smartly dressed in suits, conveying briefcases or fifty-fifty [high-visibility] waistcoats."

Eleven of the 12 ex-convicts said they would be put off targeting a smart, connected home; eight admitted they would not try to suspension into connected cars.

Simply 5% of adults surveyed past Co-op accept invested in smart technology for their homes and cars. The panel pointed out that movement-activated security lights were a central deterrent for home thieves, just just 24% of respondents had installed such devices.

Caroline Hunter, head of home insurance at Co-op, said: "Nobody should accept to become through the trauma of having their property burgled, and there are some pocket-sized measures which homeowners should exist mindful of to ensure any opportunists cannot be tempted."

Lynn Farrar, chair of Neighbourhood Watch, added: "Having your car or home broken into tin can take a devastating financial and emotional impact on families, the effects of which tin can stay with an private for some time.

"Sadly, break-ins practice happen and this study reinforces the need for greater dwelling house security."