Do we need to worry about burglary?

The Background

You might have noticed recent reports from the BBC highlighting a significant rise in burglaries across parts of Wales (source), with Dyfed Powys Police showing an increase of up to 27%—adjusted to 26% due to a change in reporting methodology.

It's easy to be alarmed by such headlines, but when looking closer at our home policing areas—Gwent and South Wales Police—the picture is more stable. Gwent recorded a 0% change and South Wales a 1% rise, effectively making the rate of burglary static for our local communities.

What is Burglary?

While there are various forms of theft and robbery, burglary has a distinct legal definition under the Theft Act 1968. It is defined as:

“Entering a building or part of a building as a trespasser with intent to commit theft, grievous bodily harm, or criminal damage; or stealing or attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm having entered as a trespasser.”

A key point is that the offence must involve a building—whether residential or commercial. Interestingly, no physical 'breaking in' is required. Entry through an unlocked door or open window still meets the criteria for burglary if done as a trespasser with intent.

Preventing Burglary

As a security company, we are frequently asked for advice on preventing burglaries. People have both a right and a strong desire to feel safe in their own homes. While no solution is fool proof, there are many practical steps that can dramatically reduce your risk.

Here are two key realities:

• Security is about making your home less appealing than others nearby. Burglars are opportunists—they’ll go for the easiest target.
• Most security measures don't make it impossible to get in—they make it harder and slower. That time difference is crucial for deterring break-ins.

A high-security lock or reinforced door might delay entry; a monitored alarm or CCTV system narrows the window before authorities or homeowners are alerted.

While advanced security systems are valuable, many highly effective measures are low-cost or free:

• Check door and window frames for damage or rot. For UPVC units, ensure glazing panels aren’t removable from the outside.
• Ensure frames are tightly fixed to the structure—no gaps for crowbars.
• Use your window locks—even the bathroom ones. If you need ventilation, use the locked open position.
• Always lock doors at night, using deadlocks if available.
• Remove keys from inside locks once the house is secured. Store them nearby but out of sight.
• Invest in a graded safe—sourced from a locksmith, not a DIY store—and place it discreetly for ease of use.
• Secure sheds and garages with padlocks or hasps. Lightweight garden structures should be treated as shelters, not secure buildings. Anchor valuables inside them.

Adding Electronic Security

For those looking to further reduce risk, adding electronic security is a sound investment. Since 2011, K9 Protection has delivered complete security solutions across South Wales. As approved installers for Ajax Systems, Hikvision, and Serage, we offer comprehensive support from survey to installation and ongoing maintenance.

CCTV or Alarm?

Clients often ask whether to prioritise CCTV or alarms. Where budget is a constraint, it’s common to consider CCTV first. However, unless your CCTV system is actively monitored, we usually advise starting with an intruder alarm.

Why? An unmonitored CCTV setup is a passive system—it captures evidence but does not prevent crime in the moment. An alarm, especially one linked to your phone or a monitoring centre, is a real-time deterrent.

Modern systems like Ajax offer smart notifications and even visual verification so you can see what’s happening before deciding to act.

Choosing the Right Alarm

The market is flooded with alarm systems. At K9 Protection, we exclusively install Ajax alarms because of their European engineering, reliability, and flexible outdoor options. However, any system professionally installed and maintained can offer strong protection.

Avoid self-install kits bought online or given away by insurers. These often lack reliability—and more importantly, insurers may not accept them. Also beware of subscription-based systems that lose functionality if you cancel the service. The true cost of these can be many times higher than a locally installed system over five years.

Selecting a CCTV System

CCTV systems can be overwhelming to choose from—there’s a vast array of brands, features, and camera styles. All systems we install now come with smartphone alerts, colour night vision, and optional audio or siren deterrents.

We currently offer three distinct CCTV brands and ranges, allowing us to match the right system to your needs. To help guide your decision, ask yourself:

• How close does a person need to be for facial recognition?
• Can the camera capture number plates clearly at your gate or driveway?
• What’s the night-time performance like—colour or infrared, and at what resolution?

We’re here to walk you through these options and help you strike the right balance of visibility, deterrence, and budget.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your home from burglary is about layers—not one magic solution. From practical DIY upgrades to professionally installed electronic systems, each measure strengthens your home’s defences.

At K9 Protection, we don’t just install alarms and CCTV—we partner with you to create security solutions that are realistic, affordable, and built around your lifestyle.

If you’d like a free survey or just want to chat about your options, our team is here to help. Let’s work together to make your home a safer place.