Safeguard your home with guide written by former housebreakers

An online services marketplace has released a guide on proofing your home against housebreakers - written by ex-offenders.

Bark.com has spoken with two former housebreakers to create a comprehensive guide to help protect homes from break-ins this summer.

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Recent crime statistics show that housebreakings increased by 9 per cent last year, and the summer months are when most people go on holiday and leave their property unattended.

The guide includes having a recording of a dog barking, installing a fake CCTV camera, and hiring a gardener to keep up appearances.

Some of the tips from the former housebreakers included in the guide are:

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Take passports and driving licenses away with you: Criminals can easily commit identity fraud with this information. It's a modern-day crime that is less risky and growing in popularity.Have a recording of a dog barking: A dog's bark will make thieves think twice about breaking in. They'll think that someone else is in the house or that the dog will attract unwanted attention to them.Install a deadlock: The installation of a deadlock will make it a lot harder and time-consuming to pick a lock. In most cases, a housebreaker will move on when they realise they're up against a deadlock.Don't post on social media: Too many people freely put information about their schedules on social media, which helps housebreakers when it comes to figuring out when to steal from a property. Check your home insurance policy too, as some may pay out less, or not at all, if you've put that you're away on social media.Keep on top of your gardening: If the lawn is freshly mowed, then housebreakers will question whether a house is in fact vacant. It also gets rid of any potential hiding spots. Housebreakers will watch houses for a few days to see patterns of the occupants so it's a good idea to hire a gardener to come around each week.

Kai Feller, co-founder of Bark.com, said: 'No one likes to think about their home being broken into, but it is definitely something that should be considered before you go on holiday for a week or two.

'With peak holiday season coming up, we wanted to make sure everyone's home is as protected as it can be. Luckily, there's a lot you can do yourself to keep housebreakers away.

'When we noticed the increase in demand for home security services like intruder alarm and CCTV installation on Bark.com, we decided to speak with former offenders to help make people's homes as safe as possible.

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'The resulting guide highlights potential weaknesses that housebreakers will exploit if given the chance and shows you what to do to help prevent someone breaking into your home while you're away.

'We hope it helps give families around the UK peace of mind, so they can enjoy their well-deserved holidays!'