0:00:02 > 0:00:05Every minute of every day, someone, somewhere, is getting burgled.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Doesn't sound good.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14With an average of 92 break-ins an hour, it's a huge problem.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21It never ceases to amaze me
0:00:21 > 0:00:24how much mess these burglars cause for people.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26For the victims of these crimes,
0:00:26 > 0:00:30it can take months or even years to overcome the trauma.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33How dare they? Out of order. Out of order!
0:00:33 > 0:00:37I felt sick. Somebody's been in my house.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41I don't want to drive up to a building and see it trashed again.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44But in this series, we're fighting back against the burglar...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Police forcing entry! Police!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49..helping you to beef up your security...
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- Here we go!- ..while the police catch the criminals.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- How are you feeling about things now?- Oh, I feel loads better.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Loads better.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01This is...
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Hello. On today's programme, I meet a young mum left devastated
0:01:09 > 0:01:12when burglars ransack her home.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14I'm not going to feel comfortable in my house,
0:01:14 > 0:01:16and it's going to take me a long time,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19if I ever do feel comfortable in my house.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21We give her home a security upgrade.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Well, I'm here to make you feel safe.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Happy with that.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28And I help Bill set things straight
0:01:28 > 0:01:30when thieves break in and steal the moneybox
0:01:30 > 0:01:34that he was using to save 50ps for his grandchildren.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35I feel violated.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Somebody's been into my house and I don't want them in here.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- It really made you angry. - Really very angry.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52More than 10,000 burglaries a year are reported in West Yorkshire.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Victims are left traumatised,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57feeling like they've been personally targeted
0:01:57 > 0:01:58for what's inside their home.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Well, imagine how much worse it feels
0:02:00 > 0:02:03when you've lived in an area all your life
0:02:03 > 0:02:05and your neighbours are friends and family.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Young mum Ashleigh has lived on the Servia estate all her life.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45She juggles working at a care home and looking after her children,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Charlie, Misha and Tyler.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50It's not easy to make ends meet,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52but she works hard to provide for her kids.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- When did you first see it, then? Who discovered it?- Me.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58I came to bring my shopping in and I've seen it
0:02:58 > 0:03:01and I thought, "Right..." I was a bit shocked.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04I looked through the window, the cats were sat at the bottom of the stairs.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Then I called my friend, opened the door,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08came in, gone in the kitchen and thought, "I've been burgled."
0:03:08 > 0:03:11It was just all drawers open, things off the top,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13you know, it was just a mess.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16They've broke and climbed through there.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20They've trashed my kitchen. They've gone upstairs into my bedroom.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24They've thrown clothes and everything everywhere.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26And they've gone out the back door, cos the key's in the door.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29'The house has been turned upside down,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31'but the thieves have made a mistake.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36'They've left fingerprints on the TV, and CSI are here to collect them.'
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Did you ever think that this would happen to you?
0:03:39 > 0:03:41No, I've lived here all my life.
0:03:41 > 0:03:4525, I've lived on the Servia all my life, and I know mostly everybody.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47It's a fairly small tightknit community,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- then, you've always lived in? - Yeah, we all know each other.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53There's families that have been on the estate for years.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54It's outrageous, isn't it?
0:03:54 > 0:03:56It's someone desperate, clearly,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59because you can see that I haven't got loads of money in here
0:03:59 > 0:04:03or I haven't got beautiful things in here, do you know?
0:04:03 > 0:04:08- Poor robbing the poor.- Yeah. - Not Robin Hood, is it, you know?
0:04:08 > 0:04:10The burglar has ransacked the place,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13stealing the kids' hand-held computers and toys.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16It's left Ashleigh reconsidering their future.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18I can't bring my kids in here now.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20I'm not going to stay here. I am not staying in this house now.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- Are you looking to move? - Yeah, I am. I'm not staying here.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- You've made that decision already? - Yeah, I have.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I'm on my own with three kids, do you know what I mean?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31And I've got a vulnerable child as well, my eldest,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34and I'm not going to work hard and put things in my house
0:04:34 > 0:04:37not to feel safe in my house, you know.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38- Mm.- I'm not going to do it.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44It's quite a shock to you when you walk in and you think, "What?"
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- You know?- You can't tell what's gone.- No, you just don't understand.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49I'm quite confused.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51And then when it's actually hit me, you know,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55I started to get a bit upset over it all and stuff.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56They've stolen the tablets off here.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59They've obviously taken the laptop box off,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01thinking that there might be a laptop in there.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- Yeah.- They've rifled through papers, cos they were all together.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09As Ashleigh takes stock of all that's missing,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12the reality of what's happened starts to kick in.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14They've obviously pulled my underwear out.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17My underwear's not usually splattered all over.
0:05:17 > 0:05:18So, what's gone altogether, then?
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- Well, my Blu-ray's gone, the player.- Yeah.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26My children's tablets, downstairs, were on top of the cupboard.
0:05:26 > 0:05:27They've gone.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30They've taken all the Blu-rays, which is about £300-worth.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33They were all Disney, you know, classics.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36They've taken some of the LeapReaders, which are, like,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- little pens, learning activity for my children.- The kids' toys?
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Yeah, they'll be able to sell them, though.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45You know, books, they've taken the books,
0:05:45 > 0:05:46because I've put them up there.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48They've taken them.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51You wouldn't think children's books would be worth taking,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53but these criminals will steal anything
0:05:53 > 0:05:55small enough to put in a rucksack.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56How are you feeling?
0:05:56 > 0:05:58SHE SIGHS
0:06:00 > 0:06:01I don't know.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04You know, I'll just have to get through it
0:06:04 > 0:06:06and just stay at my mum's for a bit.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- Yeah?- You know. - How about coming back?
0:06:10 > 0:06:13I don't know, cos I'm on my own with three children, you know.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16So, I feel vulnerable on a night as it is.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20What we want to do for you is, you know, get our experts round
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- so that they can see where the weaknesses are in the place.- Yeah.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Get them fixed up for you so that you feel nice and safe again.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- Mm, hopefully.- How does that feel? - That's nice. That's nice, yeah.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32That would be helpful.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Nobody deserves to be burgled.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37But a working mum with three kids under ten
0:06:37 > 0:06:40has life hard enough without this.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42So, we're here to put things right
0:06:42 > 0:06:44and make Ashleigh's home as safe as houses.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47And it's all hands on deck.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51Mum's doing a smashing job on the broken glass.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53CSI are working their magic in Ashleigh's room.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57And Jimmy from the council is on front door duty.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Here we go. Another break-in in Leeds.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02It's getting quite the norm, this.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05So, what I'm doing is, I'm measuring up for a board.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Nearly 80 burglaries are reported in Leeds every week
0:07:09 > 0:07:12and the police work tirelessly to catch the criminals.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15They've collected evidence from Ashleigh's house
0:07:15 > 0:07:17and catalogued the stolen items.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20If any of it turns up, it could lead them to the criminal.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24But for tonight, that's no consolation for Ashleigh.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26I'm not going to feel comfortable in my house,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28and it's going to take me a long time,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31if I ever do feel comfortable in my house.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33So, Ashleigh's gone to her mum's tonight with the kids.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37The way she's feeling at the moment, she doesn't want to come home at all.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40I want to come back tomorrow to get her security sorted out
0:07:40 > 0:07:41so we can change that.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51The next day, crime reduction officer Nick Whitcombe arrives
0:07:51 > 0:07:53to assess the security.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55He's seen hundreds of break-ins
0:07:55 > 0:07:58and there's no better person to give his expert opinion
0:07:58 > 0:08:00on how Ashleigh's security can be improved.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- So, Nick, round the back. What have you found so far?- It's a small site.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09It's about as inner-city as you're going to get.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13It wasn't built with crime in mind.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15No surveillance, there's no passers-by
0:08:15 > 0:08:17who are going to walk up and down here and see anybody.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21There's no lighting on the house to put anybody off.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24It's a bit of a burglar's paradise, really, round the back here.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Escape routes, hiding places.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Inner-city locations are more vulnerable to burglaries,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33especially if they're surrounded by alleyways
0:08:33 > 0:08:36that provide easy escape routes
0:08:36 > 0:08:40and alcoves that give cover for a lowlife to lurk in.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45We know this house has been burgled four times under previous owners,
0:08:45 > 0:08:50so what makes it so attractive to those smash-and-grab thieves?
0:08:50 > 0:08:53You notice here - one, two, three.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Three out of these four have got alarm boxes.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Ashleigh's hasn't got an alarm box.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02And no, a sticker doesn't count.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Only 24% of homes with alarms are burgled.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09It's a little plastic box that could be well worth its weight in gold.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Inside, the door is strong. But the windows aren't.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15These don't lock.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18They need sorting out, and pronto.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Right, Nick, so you've done your security assessment.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Ratings out of ten. What score do you give it?
0:09:27 > 0:09:29I would give it...
0:09:29 > 0:09:30six.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Six out of ten.- Six out of ten.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34So, that four out of ten margin
0:09:34 > 0:09:37was enough for the burglar on this occasion.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- It didn't have an alarm, did it?- Mm.
0:09:39 > 0:09:45You always get a lesser score if you're surrounded by rat-runs.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47What are we going to do, then, to improve things?
0:09:47 > 0:09:50The gate at the back, she doesn't use it.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52We're going to shut it, we're going to bolt it.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54We'll put a bit of topping on the top of that.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58All the lighting needs to be looked at.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Wireless alarm which, in itself,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03would probably have been enough to prevent this.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Ouch.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06Six out of ten for security
0:10:06 > 0:10:10isn't going to make anyone feel protected, let alone Ashleigh.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12The house needs a security overhaul
0:10:12 > 0:10:15if the family's going to feel safe again.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16And I know just the man to do it.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18RINGING TONE
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- 'Hello, Neil speaking.' - Hello, Neil, it's Dan.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- 'Dan, how are you doing?' - I'm all right, yeah.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28I've been attending a burglary where the family are pretty certain
0:10:28 > 0:10:31they just don't want to be there any more,
0:10:31 > 0:10:35and I want to put their minds at ease. Are you around?
0:10:35 > 0:10:36'Yes, I am, yeah.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40'Send me the details and I'm sure we can make them feel better.'
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Fantastic. All right, mate. Bring your tools.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48Security superstar Neil Goldup has responded to thousands of burglaries,
0:10:48 > 0:10:52so there's no better man to fix up Ashleigh's house,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54and I might even give him a hand myself.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- Neil!- I'm here, Dan.- The man I wanted to see.- Right, let's get going...
0:11:00 > 0:11:03But first, Keeley's on the trail of another break-in
0:11:03 > 0:11:05in a different part of Leeds.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12As night falls in the city, so does the snow.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Temperatures drop below zero.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18But for single bank worker Bill, there's another chill in the air -
0:11:18 > 0:11:22burglars in his house while he sleeps soundly upstairs.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Come morning, he realises thieves have trashed his house
0:11:25 > 0:11:28and stolen something precious.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41When I woke up this morning and looked out of the window,
0:11:41 > 0:11:42I thought there's no way
0:11:42 > 0:11:46that burglars are going to be turning out in this weather.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47I was wrong.
0:11:50 > 0:11:5562-year-old rugby fan Bill has lived in this house for 27 years.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57But this morning was like no other.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01So, talk me through your morning.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Yeah, I came through here and found these two coats on the floor.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07And then that patio door was open.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Not smashed, though? - No, not smashed.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14That's when I thought, "I wouldn't have left it open last night."
0:12:14 > 0:12:17So, I then just basically went to shut it
0:12:17 > 0:12:20and then came walking back into the living room
0:12:20 > 0:12:22and that's when I started to realise
0:12:22 > 0:12:26the floor was littered with paperwork and cards and things.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29So, that's when I realised I'd been broken into.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31So, what have they taken?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34They've taken my note...pound note, pound coins and notes.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36But they've also taken off there,
0:12:36 > 0:12:41which I was saving 50 pence pieces in a VW ceramic campervan moneybox.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44They've even taken that, and that was virtually full,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46because I intend to go and see my grandchildren,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48so I was going to cash that in with the bank
0:12:48 > 0:12:51and take them the money so they could spend it.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54It's like you've been violated.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58You know, somebody's been in here and I've not asked them in.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01And, you know, it's like being violated.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Police are on the scene to gather evidence
0:13:07 > 0:13:10and make those crucial initial assessments.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12They won't have had a vehicle.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Because if they'd had a vehicle, I would suspect laptops, TVs,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18more substantial items, large items, would have gone.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20There's plenty more they could take.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23It's something you can put in your coat pocket and make good your escape.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26I'll go and examine outside, look at the point of entry,
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- and I'll work my way in. - No problem at all.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Any questions, give us a shout. Can I get round that way?
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- Yeah, you can get through that way. - Excellent, thank you.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Now, Bill has actually got this big six-foot fence and big gate
0:13:39 > 0:13:40around the back of his property.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44But the gate was broken about a week ago in the wind.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45And this is how they got in.
0:13:46 > 0:13:5040% of break-ins are through the back door,
0:13:50 > 0:13:54and Bill's flimsy patio locks made entry an easy job.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58But CSI are experts in detecting forensic evidence,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00and it looks like they've found something.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03There's a clear point of entry, so we've given it a quick powder.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05And I can see some fingerprints there.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08So, I powdered it and lifted it and applied it to an acetate.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11When I get back to the station, I'll put it onto the system.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14It's come up really good now, so you can see the fingerprints on there.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16These are new fingerprints, you're pretty sure of that?
0:14:16 > 0:14:17Can't be definite.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20However, there's quite a lot of detail in them,
0:14:20 > 0:14:22so we're going to take them and, hopefully, they are the suspect's.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26A clean fingerprint can result in identification
0:14:26 > 0:14:29and conviction of the burglar.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32But we'll have to wait to see if that's the case for Bill.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Meanwhile, the broken gate and poor security
0:14:34 > 0:14:36makes Bill's house vulnerable,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39and he's worried the burglars will be back with a car
0:14:39 > 0:14:41to take the rest of his belongings.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44What we want to do for you, Bill, is get someone round,
0:14:44 > 0:14:45look at the security of the house
0:14:45 > 0:14:48and make sure that it's safe so this isn't going to happen again.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49How do you feel about that?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- That would be superb.- Yeah? - I would like that.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- We're going to sort this out for you.- OK, then. Thank you.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57We'll be back later in the programme
0:14:57 > 0:14:59to bring Bill's security into the 21st century.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05'Three miles back across town, working mum-of-three Ashleigh
0:15:05 > 0:15:09'has had her home broken into and her children's things stolen.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12'It's a difficult time for the whole family.'
0:15:12 > 0:15:14How have the kids been?
0:15:14 > 0:15:16My eldest, because, obviously,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19she was at the property when I found it,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21she's been quite upset about it.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Today, my middle child's asked for the iPad
0:15:24 > 0:15:27and I said we haven't got it any more. She says, "Why?"
0:15:27 > 0:15:31I said, "Cos somebody came in and they've taken it."
0:15:31 > 0:15:32Just wanted to be honest to them.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Children think that the world's fairies and butterflies,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37and they should as kids.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41But it is a big, bad world out there and bad things do happen sometimes.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45And with no home insurance, Ashleigh's massively out of pocket
0:15:45 > 0:15:48and can't replace her kids' things.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Her only hope is the police.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56West Yorkshire Police use their database of DNA and fingerprints
0:15:56 > 0:15:58to track down criminals.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02Often, the thieves are repeat offenders and are known to the force.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's just a matter of catching them in the act.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08And that's where there's been some good news for Ashleigh.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10We've just heard a man has been arrested
0:16:10 > 0:16:12breaking into another home in the city.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16When police investigated, they discovered some of Ashleigh's things
0:16:16 > 0:16:20which the suspect had taken to a local cash-for-goods store.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24Is this the same person who broke into Ashleigh's house?
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Or has he got another explanation for having her kids' stuff?
0:16:28 > 0:16:29We'll find out soon.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35'Catching the criminals would go a long way
0:16:35 > 0:16:37'to making Ashleigh feel safe again.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42'But until then, Neil and I are going to turn this place into Fort Knox.'
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Have you got something I can get on with? I'm in grafting mood.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Yes, get on with the fence. - Fantastic.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Nice spiky stuff to put on top of the fence.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Short, sharp tactic to stop them climbing over.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58This strong plastic stripping can be bought from most DIY stores
0:16:58 > 0:17:01and screws on top of fences and gates easily.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05'If you're like me, you might need a tiny bit of assistance.'
0:17:05 > 0:17:08It's my little school, because I'm only a little fella!
0:17:14 > 0:17:16That is really unpleasant to touch.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20You can't keep your fingers on that for more than a second.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23There's no way you could get over here.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Inside, Neil's using his skills and his legendary charm
0:17:27 > 0:17:30to make Ashleigh feel more secure.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- Any concerns you've got? - Just that one and the bathroom one.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Well, I'm here to make you feel safe,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37so whatever you want, you just scream at me.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Thank you! - And I'll do it for you.- Thank you.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Ahh! Who wouldn't feel safe with Neil around?
0:17:43 > 0:17:48Ashleigh's windows didn't have locks, so Neil fits a simple sash jammer.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50They cost about £10 each
0:17:50 > 0:17:54and make forcing the window open virtually impossible.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58I've been getting prickly with a fence,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01and Neil couldn't resist helping me finish the job.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08- Good.- Right, let's get back in and allow them to finish off now.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Happy with that. DRILL WHIRS
0:18:10 > 0:18:14This is the new wireless alarm system that's going in.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19It will protect all the doors and both the kitchen and the front room.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21The state-of-the-art motion sensor alarms
0:18:21 > 0:18:24come with wireless push-button keys
0:18:24 > 0:18:27so there aren't any codes or numbers to remember.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Prices start from around £200,
0:18:29 > 0:18:33but they are the number one burglar deterrent.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36And Neil has one more cunning device to fool the thieves.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41I'll put it in and I'll show you. We might have to shut the curtains.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42He's given me...
0:18:42 > 0:18:47It's like a TV, basically, so if I'm not in, I can plug that in
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- and it will reflect and it'll look like the TV's on.- Yeah.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57Yeah, so I do feel a bit better. But it's still fresh, isn't it, really?
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Right, Neil's done a cracking job getting the security beefed up.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Ashleigh's going to feel safer, I'm sure.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Let's hope Nick's impressed, too.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12We'll be back later to find out if Ashleigh feels safe enough to stay
0:19:12 > 0:19:16and if the man linked to her stolen goods admits to the crime.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Back at Bill's, the events of yesterday
0:19:22 > 0:19:25have forced him to reflect on the state of his house.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27It was a wake-up call.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29That's the nicest thing I can say that happened.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34A wake-up call where I became blase about security in the house.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38Crime reduction officer Tom White
0:19:38 > 0:19:42can't believe the lack of protection on windows and doors.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44The lock on the front of your house, that's going to come off.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47If that's your lock inside onto the wooden frame here,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50the metal bar will support, but a good push or a good kick,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- the door's going to come open.- OK.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53You've got a security light...
0:19:53 > 0:19:57And it's not just the front that's in need of drastic improvement.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59The light out the back hasn't got a sensor
0:19:59 > 0:20:02and the patio door is really old and fragile.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Again, I think you mentioned a good pull,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06that door's going to come open.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10So, again, I'd think about maybe replacing the whole door.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14So, out of ten, what would you score this house security-wise?
0:20:14 > 0:20:16I think from what we've discussed with Bill,
0:20:16 > 0:20:18I'd give it three out of ten.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- Three?! That's really not good.- No.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23It's low. A lot can be done to improve the security of this house.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25I wonder what Bill thinks of the score.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Oh, it's very bad. Very bad.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28We want to get that figure up,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30so I've spoken to a guy who's going to come round
0:20:30 > 0:20:33and sort the house out for you, get the security issues sorted.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- That would be smashing. - Get that number up from three.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38There's a lot of work to be done
0:20:38 > 0:20:40to make the house safe before nightfall.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43So, Neil's back with his box of tricks.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45He's been in the business 14 years
0:20:45 > 0:20:49and has seen how modern life has affected everyone's security.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51The trouble is, nowadays, everybody comes in,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54as soon as the door's closed, the outside world's not there any more.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56They'll come in, play on their tablets or phones.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58They don't talk to neighbours.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Used to say it's highly likely that you're going to be broken into again.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02It's changed now.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05It's highly likely your neighbours are going to be broken into,
0:21:05 > 0:21:09because the burglars, they know the area, they're comfortable in that area.
0:21:09 > 0:21:10So, things are changing.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14Your neighbours have a unique view of your property, so talk to them.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18You never know when you might need each other's help.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20If a burglar is on the prowl on your streets,
0:21:20 > 0:21:24it's essential your front locks are strong and deter thieves.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27This mighty double lock is just the ticket.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Oh, made light work of that!
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Is it crucial that they have two locks on the door?
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Yes, on a final exit door, it's advisable to have two locks on,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39a night latch and a five-lever lock.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- Just to double up security?- Yeah.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43So there's two locking points when you leave.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45'Neil's drilled the main hole
0:21:45 > 0:21:47'and, apparently, I have to finish the job.'
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- There you go.- Oh, right. - There's your screws.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- You're trusting.- Tea-time for me.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54The kettle hasn't boiled yet, Neil!
0:21:54 > 0:21:58First, you've got to fit the locks to the patio doors and the windows.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Not to mention the alarm,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04sensors for which are going all over the house.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10There you go.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13'Meanwhile, Bill is having a crack at the back gate.'
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Missed it.- That's totally missed it!
0:22:15 > 0:22:16'Without much luck!'
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Uhh!
0:22:18 > 0:22:21What I'm going to do, then, I've got some string, that stuff,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24just tie it so nobody can get in.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25'String?!
0:22:25 > 0:22:27'I'm not sure Neil will approve.'
0:22:30 > 0:22:32There you are.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33No-one... Oh.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35SHE LAUGHS
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Luck is not on your side today, is it?
0:22:37 > 0:22:39'Fortunately, we have a man that can.'
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Neil's come up with a clever plan.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Oh, has he, now?- Yes. Better than mine.- Come on, then.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50A sturdy piece of wood from the gate to the fence does the job
0:22:50 > 0:22:53and holds considerably better than Bill's string.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55If you can just pull that.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- Right.- There you go. I'll leave you to it.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- Thanks(!)- I'm going to try and get that cup of tea.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Right, if you just pull this closer. There you go.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- We're done.- Right. Good work.- Yes. That's solid.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19So, Neil, what have we done to upgrade this property?
0:23:19 > 0:23:21First of all, on the door, you'll notice
0:23:21 > 0:23:24there's a high-security double-locking night latch on there.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28All windows downstairs and upstairs have all got locks on now.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29They're what they call snap locks.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32When you close the window, they automatically lock.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33You need a key to open them.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- We've done something to the back door - that's where the burglar got in.- Yes.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39There was just a little catch holding that.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- I've put two locks on there. - And finally, the burglar alarm.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- The alarm system, yes. Which you helped put in.- I did.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- I'll let you test it.- Go on, then.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50I'm dying to get this out of your hands. Let's have a go.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51ALARM BEEPS
0:23:51 > 0:23:53- That's it.- All working?- Yep.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56If you want to open the door, that should set off.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57ALARM BLARES
0:23:57 > 0:24:02- Oh, right. Yeah. That must be down to how I fitted it.- Yes.- OK.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04ALARM STOPS
0:24:04 > 0:24:07It's been just ten hours since Bill discovered the break-in
0:24:07 > 0:24:11and there's been a transformation outside and in.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14You said to me earlier, "I'm not going out tonight."
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- But you changed your mind. - I changed my mind, I'm off out now.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Because you feel like the house is safe now.- Safe now, yes.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23If they get in, they're going to use...
0:24:23 > 0:24:26well, smash with a 14-pound sledgehammer
0:24:26 > 0:24:27through the patio doors.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- Stopping in isn't going to stop them.- No.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31But the locks will stop anybody thinking
0:24:31 > 0:24:33they can just break in easily.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37The fingerprint taken from Bill's door
0:24:37 > 0:24:41was checked against the police database, but no match was found.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Without any other leads to follow,
0:24:43 > 0:24:47it's likely Bill's VW moneybox has driven away for good.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51So, I've gone back to give him something to smile about.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Hello, Bill. How are you? - Fine, thank you. Fine. Come in.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57I've got a little treat for you.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- There you go.- Oh, thank you.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- Thank you very much.- This is not to be left on the windowsill.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09Oh, superb. Are you sure? It's better than the one that got taken.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- It really is. That's superb. - So you can start saving again.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- In fact, your first 50 pence. - Thank you very much.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20I really am appreciative of that. That's touched me. Thank you.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Bill might not have had any luck getting his things back,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29but it's a different story at Ashleigh's.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33The man arrested for the burglary was Joseph Parkin.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36He stole the children's tablets and Ashleigh's iPad.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41But after his arrest and guilty plea, some of the goods were retrieved.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43He's since appeared in court
0:25:43 > 0:25:46and was sentenced to three years, two months,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50for a number of offences, including Ashleigh's burglary.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01So, Ashleigh and her kids have been reunited with some of their things.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03That's brilliant news.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07It just remains for Nick to reassess the house for security.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11From the front of the house, walking past,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15you glance up, you see big, bright alarm box.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19And you've also got a big light there, which will flood this area.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22What would be your security rating for this place?
0:26:22 > 0:26:25If she uses everything she's got...
0:26:26 > 0:26:27..I'll give it a seven.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30That's a step in the right direction.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32But more importantly, have the improvements
0:26:32 > 0:26:35changed Ashleigh's mind about wanting to move?
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I've lived around here all my life. It's a great support network for me.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40I've got my family that live everywhere.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44I am happy that I'm back in my home. It's where I'm most comfortable.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46So, Ashleigh's decided to stay put
0:26:46 > 0:26:51and she's taken extra comfort knowing the burglar's behind bars.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55It makes me feel a lot more settled that he's locked up and behind bars
0:26:55 > 0:26:57and that it wasn't a personal attack on me.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00That's sort of how it feels when you've been burgled.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03You feel like it's a personal attack.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05And I'm completely content now.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Like nothing's happened, like I was never burgled.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11I am, I'm very pleased. Thank you very much.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14When I first met Ashleigh, she was all set on leaving this house
0:27:14 > 0:27:16because of the burglary.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19But now, thanks to the hard work the police have put in
0:27:19 > 0:27:22and our security measures, she can feel confident
0:27:22 > 0:27:25she can bring up her kids in her own neighbourhood.
0:27:25 > 0:27:26That's what we want.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31It's great the burglar's been caught
0:27:31 > 0:27:33and Ashleigh's got some of her things back.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36And Bill's using his new moneybox
0:27:36 > 0:27:39to save up to spoil his grandchildren something rotten.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Good results all round, I'd say.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- That's it for now. See you next time. - Bye-bye.