What to Do If You Are Burglarized in the UK: A Family’s Perspective

Home security is a critical aspect of modern life, especially in the UK where the risk of burglary cannot be overlooked. Understanding how to respond effectively can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones. This article draws from personal experiences to provide practical advice and insights on dealing with a potential break-in.

Standard Advice and Safety Measures

In the UK, the standard advice if you wake up and suspect someone is in your home is to go to the toilet and flush the toilet. This simple action alerts the intruder to your presence and can give you some valuable time to assess your situation. It's a passive-aggressive move designed to stall the intruder and buy you time to think and plan your next steps.

Using the 'Can I Help You?' Trick

If the previous strategy fails, the next step is to confront the intruder calmly and assertively. A powerful phrase in the UK is to say, 'Can I help you?' This phrase is both useful and versatile. It cannot be objected to but sends a clear message that you are aware of their presence and ready to challenge them. The intruder usually feels cornered and will often respond with an evasive statement such as being in the wrong house before fleeing.

A Personal Story: The Silent but Deadly

My childhood neighbors had a large but silent dog. One night, an intruder broke a window and entered the kitchen undetected. However, the dog's eyes illuminated by moonlight revealed the burglar's position. The intruder tried to flee but left behind half a coat sleeve and a torn piece of fabric on the broken glass. This story emphasizes the effectiveness of silent but deadly defensive measures.

Personal Experiences and Preparations

My wife woke up one night to hear people talking in our kitchen. This led to a full-blown nighttime investigation. My initial reaction was to grab a Bokken (a wooden samurai sword used for training), gather any security camera footage, and cautiously approach the source of the noise. Although an investigation into a noisy tablet proved false, it highlighted the importance of being prepared and gathering information before taking action.

Approaches to Burglary Situations

The approach to a potential burglary varies depending on the individual. For someone like me, it's all about gathering as much information as possible, preparing a defense, and assessing whether to engage or retreat. We keep a variety of tools readily available, including Bokken, and are always ready for an emergency. On the other hand, for my wife, the best approach is to delegate the task to someone else and remain upstairs to ensure safety.

Conclusion

Dealing with a potential burglary in the UK requires a clear understanding of the situation and a well-prepared response strategy. Whether you're a home defender or a home protector, understanding the risks and being prepared can significantly enhance your ability to ensure the safety and security of your home and loved ones.