Low Cost Interventions
3. 'WIDE' Home Security Package
The 'WIDE' Home Security Package (Window Locks, Interior Timers, Deadbolts, Exterior Sensor Lights), is a proven, low-cost bundle of physical target hardening measures that significantly reduce burglary opportunity through better locks, lighting, and signs of occupancy.
Window locks: £10-£25 per home
Interior light timers: £8-£15 per home
Deadbolts: £20-£40 per home
Exterior Sensor lights: £15-£30 per home
Total cost (100 home rollout): £5,300-£11,000
Device procurement: 1 week
Distribution to homes: 1 week
Installation (DIY or volunteers): 2-4 weeks
Total: 4-6 weeks
Bulb/sensor replacements: £5-£10 per home
Occasional lock/timer replacements: £5-£10 per home
Total Annual Maintenance Cost (assuming 50% of homes need replacements): £250-£1000
Effectiveness
The 'WIDE' combination is shown to be the most effective 4-device configuration in significantly cutting burglary risk.
A 20-year long study showed that improved security like the WIDE model was the primary driver behind the 'crime drop'. It is found that combinations of door locks, window locks, and external lighting offers 20x greater protection than households with no security.
Meta-analysis of secured by design (SBD) homes experience 53% less burglaries than non-SBD homes.