How can you keep your home secure this summer?

Summer can see a spike in burglaries, as people are away on holiday and their homes are unoccupied. But that’s not the only reason burglars see summer as a window of opportunity. People often leave doors and windows open to keep properties cooler. They can also spend more time in their back garden, leaving their homes more vulnerable.

Whilst you may be aware of the dangers of keeping your windows and doors (often the back or side door) open at night, most burglaries happen between 10am and 3pm when many people are out at work. Yet even when you’re at home, your property can still be burgled, as over half (58%) of burglaries take place when someone is at the property¹.

What can you do to mitigate the risk of being burgled when you’re out the house or at home?

Close your windows and doors

Warm weather often means windows and doors are left open to let air circulate throughout your home, but closing them when you go out (even for a short time), at night, and when you’re in the garden, is advised, as thieves can get through surprisingly small openings.

Hide your valuables

Keep car keys, laptops, tablets, phones, wallets and other valuables out of sight. Closing curtains or blinds blocks your home from prying eyes when you’re in the garden or out of the house, helping to prevent a thief from ‘checking out’ your property and possessions.

Don’t let your social media presence be a ‘gift’ for thieves

If your social media profile is public or you have followers you don’t know very well, you could run the risk of people knowing when you’re away from home and potentially vulnerable to theft. Avoid posting about your holidays on online channels as burglars may be monitoring your movements. If you want to share your trip of a lifetime it’s a good idea to wait until you get back from being away before posting holiday photos.

Under lock and key

While it may seem to be a good idea to leave a set of house keys under a flowerpot, thieves can be savvy to this and ‘leave no stone unturned’. If you need to give family or neighbours access to your property while you’re away, leave your house keys with them, not hidden in the garden for a burglar to find.

Sheds and outbuildings

Sheds and outbuildings often house items that are ‘gold dust’ for thieves. Mowers, garden tools, power tools, hand tools and sports equipment can all be a burglar’s ‘bread and butter’, so keep storage buildings under lock and key and don’t forget to close any windows.

Boundaries

If your front hedge is high and your rear hedge low –reverse the height order and keep the back hedge high and the front hedge low. High front hedges can provide cover for thieves and a low rear hedge can make for an easy getaway. If possible, keep hedges thick and prickly (box hedge and holly bushes can provide effective protection and add another layer to your home security).

Secure your house, secure your cover

Always lock your doors and windows, even if you are just going out of the house to walk your dog. If you are burgled and there are no signs of forced entry, your claim might not be paid.

If you are unsure as to which types of locks you need for your property, talk to us. We can help with the types of locking system your policy requires.

Alternatively, email us at:

info@lloydwhyte.com

What matters to you, matters to us

1.  https://www.caldersecurity.co.uk/burglary-facts-uk/

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