With the weather warming up and holidays upon us, many of us will be opening windows and doors to let in some welcome fresh air. However, police are warning about the rise of ‘sneak-in burglaries’ – a type of break-in that occurs when you leave a window or door unlocked.
Opportunistic thieves ramp up their activity during summer, and the majority of offenders look for the path of least resistance when attempting to gain entry to a property, and finding a door or window unlocked presents them with an attractive opportunity.
Even if you’re just nipping round to the neighbours for five minutes, hanging out the washing, or doing a spot of gardening, you should get into the habit of locking all doors and windows before you leave your home.
As well as this, there are a number of other things you can do to protect your belongings over the warmer months, and here the security experts at Amthal have compiled some of the most important.
Amthal’s top 10 tips for securing your home this summer:
- According to The Home Office, 56% of burglaries take place during the evening, so be wary of leaving windows open on a warm night when you go to bed
- Don’t leave valuable items in reach of an open window or cat flap if you have one – i.e. keys, wallets/purses, bags, mobile phones or iPads
- Invest in the latest smart security solutions – including intruder alarm, CCTV and video doorbells. They not only act as a visual deterrent but also, if the worst happens and there is a break in, you can be alerted quickly and your neighbours can contact the police with proof.
- After a day in the garden, remember to put tools and toys in a locked shed or garage overnight as expensive outdoor equipment can be a very tempting proposition for opportunistic thieves.
- Caravans and motorhomes are also at risk during the summer months. Yale offers inexpensive battery-powered stand-alone alarms, which are ideal for securing mobile homes.
- Always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home or in the garden (or at a neighbour’s BBQ.) It may feel like your home is secure and in full view, but it only takes a minute for a burglar to sneak in.
- If you are going on holiday, ensure you cancel regular orders that give any indication that you’re away (or rely on a friendly neighbour to keep them out of view
- Invest in some good quality timers and put lights and TVs on different settings
- Don’t leave your curtains closed if you do go away. An opportunist burglar with notice this and be back to check if they’re still closed the next day
- ‘Checking in’ at holiday locations on social media or posting holiday photos can be risky, offering an open invitation to criminals, so take the time to check your settings.
Protect what’s precious to you. Stay secure this summer.