Kitchen appliances have increasingly become targets for thieves due to their rising cost and added features. Brands like AEG and Whirlpool are particularly appealing to burglars, as they are seen as valuable status items. It's important to take precautions to reduce the risk of theft and protect your home.
Start by ensuring that your home is equipped with secure doors, windows, and reliable locking mechanisms. Avoid being careless, especially during the summer months, by leaving doors open or windows unlocked. Installing an alarm system and having a noisy dog can also act as effective deterrents. Keep a record of the make and serial numbers of all your appliances, and consider marking them with your postcode using an 'invisible' marker pen. Under ultraviolet light, the writing will become visible. These marker pens can be purchased from security shops and often come with stickers to place on doors and windows, alerting potential intruders that your property is marked and making them think twice.
If your kitchen is properly fitted, appliances will be securely integrated into the housing cabinets, making their removal more difficult and discouraging theft. Consider using roller shuttered wall cabinets that extend down to the worktop, providing a hidden storage space for small appliances like toasters, kettles, and microwave ovens.
Lastly, review your insurance policy to ensure that it provides coverage for the full replacement value of all your kitchen items. This will give you peace of mind in case of theft or damage. Taking these precautions will help safeguard your kitchen appliances and protect your investment.