Jenny Radcliffe: The Former Burglar Helping Companies Test Their Security
Burglary is a crime that strikes fear in all of us. Many of us have unfortunately experienced being burgled or know someone who has. The impact goes beyond just financial loss, as victims often struggle with the emotional trauma and the loss of sentimental items. Despite spending significant amounts on security systems, many Brits are still making simple mistakes that leave them vulnerable.
Enter Jenny Radcliffe, a woman with an unusual job. As a child in the 80s, she used to break into warehouses, museums, and abandoned houses for fun with her friends. Now, she uses her past experiences to help companies test their security measures. Even if you can’t afford to hire Jenny, she can still give you valuable advice on how to avoid burglars by sharing common security mistakes we all make.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is being careless online. Did you know that 43% of burglaries are committed by someone the victim knows? Burglars nowadays need to know your daily routine, and they often find this information on social media. They look for holiday photos to see when you’re not at home and even search community groups for posts about broken windows or doors. Jenny warns that we need to be cautious about what we share online because it’s like having a sign on our front door saying “this house is unoccupied.”
Another surprising vulnerability is our reliance on smart doorbells. While these devices are meant to keep us safe, they can actually be hacked and provide information to burglars. Any device connected to a network can be compromised, so it’s important to remain vigilant and not solely rely on cameras for security.
Leaving things around that can help burglars is another common mistake. Burglaries are often opportunistic, with burglars cruising around looking for vulnerable houses. Jenny advises homeowners to put themselves in the mindset of a burglar and identify any weak spots in their security. Leaving tools and equipment lying around the house can make it an easy target.
Handing over keys to strangers is another way we unknowingly invite burglars into our homes. Jenny recommends only giving keys to people we know well and trust. She goes as far as researching her cleaner online and checking references. It’s also important to inform a neighbor when someone will be in the house and try not to leave them alone for too long.
Simple deterrents can go a long way in making your home less attractive to burglars. Burglars want to be in and out quickly, so making your house a harder target can discourage them. Putting lights on timers or leaving a radio on when you’re out can create the illusion that someone is home.
Even the plants in your front yard can make a difference. Large trees and bushes provide hiding spots for burglars, so it’s best to avoid planting them directly under windows. Instead, consider investing in gravel around your house and a good automatic light system to make your home less appealing to burglars.
Jenny Radcliffe’s unique perspective as a former burglar gives her valuable insights into how to improve security and avoid becoming a victim. By being mindful of our online presence, securing our smart devices, eliminating vulnerabilities, and making our homes less attractive to burglars, we can better protect ourselves and our belongings.