Keep windows locked in the evening
The summer seems to breed a more contented feeling in us about life in general. When you can spend more time in the garden, you can enjoy more time to relax in the warm glow of the sun. Unfortunately, this laid back feeling leaves us vulnerable.
In warmer months, burglars take advantage of the fact that people are more likely to leave their doors and windows unlocked. People also tend to leave their home vacant to enjoy the nice weather, and are more likely to be away from home overnight.
Burglary rates do tend to rise in the summer, but there are some things you can do to make sure you’re not caught out and ensure your home is secure.
Keep lockable access points locked
It’s surprising how many valuables a burglar can get their hands on, even if they only gain access to a property for a few minutes. Wallets, purses, bags, car keys, smartphones, tablets, laptops … they’re all fair game for a nifty thief, and we tend to store them in easily accessible places (or leave them in plain view).
If you intend to spend time in your garden, make sure all your points of entry are firmly locked, especially those at the front of your house. It’s sensible to store items away in cupboards, particularly things like tablets that can be taken quickly.
Keep your tools and ladders locked up
Lots of burglars do not bother to carry tools to break in to a property, simply because they don’t have to they can use yours if they are laying around. Not carrying tools also means they’re less likely to be caught en route.
If you have tools that can be used to prise open a door or window, or you have a ladder or a set of steps, make sure you keep them safely locked away. If someone is intent on breaking into your home, then the worse thing you can do is to give them a helping hand.
Be extra wary of doorstep strangers
As front doors and back doors are more likely to be left unlocked during the warmer months, burglary teams sometimes visit to try to sell you something or ask questions. While they keep you busy at the front door, someone else will take a look through your belongings in the back garden.
If you are in your back garden and hear someone at the door, stand by your back door and call them around. If that is not possible, lock your back door first before you go and see who is at the front.
Tour the property before you go to bed
In summer, doors and windows are more likely to be left open and unlocked. Before you go to bed each evening, go around every room and make sure all doors and windows are locked.
Some burglars will spend the day touring the local area, making note of any open doors and windows they see. They then return at night to see just how vigilant the home owners have been before bed time.
Practical help
The odds of a home being burgled in any one year in the UK are still, thankfully, relatively low: around one in thirty. That figure includes attempted burglaries. But it makes sense to reduce the odds. No matter what the season, speak to Angel Security about devices and technology that will help keep burglars at bay
