Household and property

Although you are unlikely to become a victim of burglary in the Cayman Islands, it is still important that people do all they can to reduce the risks.

Many break-ins are opportunist or spur of the moment and can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions. Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled.

Basic tips

• When you go out, always lock the door and the windows – even if you are not going far.
• Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in – and remember a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
• If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a thief to get in and out – do not leave the key in an obvious place.
• Don’t leave spare keys outside and put keys out of sight within the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight. This will create the impression someone is in.
• Visible burglar alarms, well lit streets and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off. But make sure that lights don’t disturb your neighbours and alarms turn off after 20 minutes.
• Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with prickly shrubs.
• Fitting a ‘spy hole’ allows you to see who is at the door before you open it. Having a door chain means you can open the door just a small way to talk to them if you do not know them.

Who can help you do this?

Tenants

If you rent your house or apartment, your landlord has some responsibility towards security. If your home is not secure, ask your landlord to make necessary improvements. It’s cheaper to fit window locks than to fix a smashed window.

If you live in a condo or block of rented apartments forming a tenants association might make security easier.

Homeowners.

Spending money on security measures can seem daunting, but it is a good investment, will last a long time and can add value to your property. Contact you local police station for assistance. Neighbourhood officers may be able to advise you on the best measures to protect your property.

Protecting your property

Planning permission

There are laws (planning regulations) governing many of the changes you make to the outside of your home, including building walls and fences. However, you do not need permission for everything. Visit www.planning.gov.ky for more information on what is allowed and what needs permission.

Personal Safety at Home

Securing your property will make you safer in your home, and make your home and belongings safer while you are out.

Here are some guidelines for dealing with different situations you may find yourself in:

Intruders

• If you think you have an intruder, only you can decide how to deal with the situation. Think about what you might do now – you may not think so clearly in a real incident.
• You may respond differently if you are alone in the house, or if there are other people there. For instance, you could make a noise and hope it puts them off, or keep quiet and hope they don’t come into your room.
• You could keep a phone in your bedroom so you can raise the alarm. This may also make you feel safer.
• It is generally best not to challenge an intruder.

Interrupting burglars:

• If you come home and find a window broken or lights on, and you think there may be a burglar inside, it may be best not to go into the house.
• Go to a neighbours house and call the police.

Older people:

Older people may feel more vulnerable to crimes, but are actually less likely to become victims. A few simple steps can help reduce your risk of a crime:

• Think about a personal alarm to use if you should fall at home
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home
• Install door chains and spy holes
• Have solid doors

Computers:

Computers and laptops are a popular item to steal. Making sure your home is secure will help guard against this, but there are some extra steps you can take:

• Keep your computer or laptop in a locked cabinet or lock the door to the room you keep it in.
• Use security screws and bolts to make it harder for people without the correct tool to open the casing to steal parts.
• Use passwords, back up on disk and ‘water-mark’ documents. This will help protect your copyright and will mean you have a copy should your items get stolen.
• Be careful with financial information. For example, don’t send you bank details in an email. If you are ordering goods over the internet, make sure the company has a secure server.
• If you need to carry a laptop with you, try to be discreet. Many laptops have distinguishable bags, so try to put it in something else and follow other personal safety advice. It may be useful to carry disks separately.
• Mark everything with a UV pen.

Last Updated: 2011-02-01

Personal Safety and Burglary Prevention Pamphlet

Personal Safety and Burglary Prevention Pamphlet

NAB property form

NAB property form