The winter months have officially begun – the clocks have gone back and the weather’s getting cold. With the dark nights setting in, it’s an ideal time to assess your home security to protect against winter crime.
Research carried out by Co-Operative Insurance reveals that home thefts are more likely in the winter months, increasing by a third between November and March. Co-op’s stats also reveal that home thefts are more likely to be caused by a burglar using physical force to break into a property, than in summer, where burglars tend to be mostly opportunistic.
With the days going dark as early as 4pm, burglars use the opportunity of low light to hide their criminal activity. Long, dark days are inevitable, but there are many simple security solutions to help protect your home through the winter.
Here’s 7 ways to help deter burglars from breaking into your property:
1. Make it a habit to draw you curtains and blinds at night, especially when your home is unoccupied. Not only does this shield your valuables from the sight of passers-by, but also is likely to give the illusion that someone is home even if you’re not.
2. Keep your property lit up. Light timer switches are a simple yet effective way of deterring would-be thieves. Installing motion-activated security lighting externally to your property can put intruders off attempting to break in, as it makes them more likely to be seen.
3. A weak door and lock will provide the quickest and easiest route for an intruder to enter your home. Check that your lock provides maximum protection against common lock breaking techniques, such as cylinder snapping. If it does not meet these standards, be sure to upgrade your lock. The Fullex Kinetica+ K4 cylinder provides protection against every common attack method, plus new innovative protection techniques that set it apart from other locks.
4. Visible security measures can be the difference between a potential burglar bypassing your property or attempting to break in. Installing an alarm and even security cameras can be a big deterrent for a burglar.
5. Doorstep crime has become a common method of home intrusion. Installing secure door hardware, such as door chains and door viewers, can help protect you especially in the lead up to winter. Door viewers are a simple and low-cost security solution which allow you to see who’s on the other side of the door before opening. Additionally, by installing a high-security door chain, it is possible to communicate with those who call before letting them in, giving you that added level of security and peace of mind. We always recommend that you verify the identity of a caller before opening the door.
6. As well as checking the home security measures within your property, it’s a good idea to check your garden too. Installing a gate or fence to surround your property can aid security – however, you should bear in mind that high fences can also provide burglars with the ideal cover to hide behind. It’s therefore a good idea to keep fences low and gates to your property closed. A gravel drive can also be an effective deterrent as they create a distinct sound when stepped on, so burglars will be aware that they could be heard walking towards your property.
Be sure to check back in with our blog regularly for quick, affordable and effective home security tips.
