How to scare thieves away from the apartment ?

Protecting against theft is a pressing concern for both flat and cottage owners and entrepreneurs. In Kazakhstan, crime rates are rising, with thefts increasing by approximately 10% over the last year. The highest number of robberies is recorded in Almaty — over 7000 cases per year, while Astana sees about 4000 cases per year. These alarming statistics highlight the need for reliable security systems. Fortunately, modern solutions are now available to prevent crimes and respond rapidly to potential threats.

Technical and psychological methods to deter thieves

It is possible to scare thieves away from a flat or any other facility by using technical and psychological means of defence. A combination of both works most effectively.

Main technical methods

• Motion sensors and alarms. A set of devices, which aim to trigger an alarm signal for changes in specified settings. Movement sensors are often installed on doors and windows to detect an attempted break-in and transmit this information to a light and noise siren to notify unauthorized attempted entry.
• Video surveillance. When used as a technical means of protection against thieves, video monitoring cameras enable real-time detection of intrusion and reaction to the threat.
• Smart lock. A way to securely lock an apartment or different facility without fear of burglary, like a mechanical lock. To open a smart lock, you need the owner’s biometrics or a special pin code. The smart lock can be remotely controlled without fear of burglary, for example, by installing an app on a smartphone.

The main psychological methods to deter thieves

• Specific and visible guard alerts. This can include surveillance cameras or motion detectors, specially placed in a visible place, as well as warning signs, e.g. stickers indicating that the property is under protection. The mere sight of such security measures will make thieves think twice before attempting a break-in.
• The illusion of the host’s presence. A timer can be installed in a flat or other property to turn the lights on according to a schedule, creating the illusion that someone is at home and deterring thieves potential burglars. In addition, deterrents may include various sounds, such as a recorded dog barking or a scheduled TV on.

ABC BERKUT’s practical tips on scaring a thief and avoiding theft

The ABC BERKUT experts’ experience enables us to highlight a few practical tips to keep your home safe from burglars:

• Install the DVRs. If placed at the entrance to your property, these recording devices can not only scare burglars but also provide 24/7 video surveillance. In the event of an incident, they will be as strong evidence of unlawful activity. At the very least, installing an intercom is a basic security measure.
• Do not publicly disclose the presence of valuable items. The best way to prevent thieves from stealing your valuables is not to leave them in plain sight. In addition, you should not brag about your possessions on social networks, as intruders are often looking for victims there.
• It’s better to be familiar with your neighbours. Vigilant neighbours can spot suspicious activity in time to notify you or call the police immediately.

How are thieves caught, and how do they work?

When you know how thieves work, protecting yourself from them becomes easier. The most common tactics of burglars are the following manipulations:

• Observation. In fact, it’s the first thing intruders do — they keep an eye on the target of their potential burglary. Their first step is to learn the habits of the occupants in the house so that they can recognize when nobody may be there.
• Lock-picking. Using lock picks, screwdrivers, crowbars, and other tools, the burglars directly gain access to the apartment.
• Use of forged documents. Frequently, intruders present themselves as police officers, utility workers or other structures, show fake IDs and break into the house.

Modern technology makes it possible to prevent it all in a timely manner. The police and security agencies such as ABC BERKUT use the following technological solutions:

• Video Surveillance. The security operator sees immediate activity and danger and reacts to it. Also, the police receive all necessary evidence of the attempted theft.
• Trace Analysis. High-level experts use forensic techniques to analyze the traces left behind by thieves, such as DNA or fingerprints.
• Sensors. Installation of motion, glass breakage and door opening detectors helps to detect an attempted intrusion at an early stage and successfully prevent it.

Real-life examples of catching thieves

In ABC BERKUT’s work, for example, such cases have occurred when the guards caught a thief red-handed, just getting a lock pick to break into a door. The video surveillance cameras recorded it, and the operator sent a rapid response team to the facility in time. The recordings served as real evidence to the police and the thief was punished.

We have also experienced situations when a warning alarm went off, causing the robber to flee, but he was intercepted by our guards and handed over to the police.

And motion sensors often help to prevent various situations — not only attempted theft, but also fire, flooding, etc. This is already commonplace for our security company.

How do you make a thief return stolen goods?

Of course, thieves rarely return stolen goods just because they are asked to. However, with certain methods of influencing, they may be compelled to return the stolen property to the owner. Methods of coercion include:

• Psychological methods of influence. In most cases, negotiation and persuasion is what helps to recover the stolen goods. Specialists who are skilled in psychological techniques to make the robber feel guilty or fearful of punishment usually conduct them. In this way, they achieve the return of property for the victim.
• Legal Methods of Influence. If the victim files a report with the police and initiates a criminal case, then this in itself will lead to a lawsuit in court to recover the stolen property. Another option is to try to recover the stolen property through negotiation with a lawyer, who in exchange promises to mitigate the thief’s punishment.

Reliable security companies not only apprehend the perpetrators and hand them over to the police, but also provide additional support to the victims. They help in the process of recovering the property using various legal methods. In addition, such firms have lawyers who are ready to provide legal assistance in complicated cases.

Long-term measures to protect housing

In order to protect against thieves, protection specialists recommend not neglecting long-term measures:

• Strengthening doors and windows, e.g. installing quality locks, reinforcing door frames, double glazing, window grilles.
• Regular alarm system maintenance is an extremely important measure to ensure your monitoring and security system is always in good working order and does not fail at an inopportune moment.
• Maintaining contact with a security firm allows you to always improve your level of protection, and receive expert service for your protection system.

Regular maintenance and inspection of security systems is the key to stable and efficient operation. Periodical diagnostics helps to detect possible vulnerabilities and eliminate malfunctions in a timely manner. As a result, reliable protection against break-ins and unauthorized access is ensured.

An important point to note is the need to educate all members of your family on basic safety measures. That way, everyone can learn what to do in the event of a threat and the problem will be resolved in the most favorable way possible.