Clear and presents danger
A former burglar and a top police chief give LISA SALMON some tips on how to keep your house secure over the festive season
IF YOU’RE looking forward to Christmas, bear in mind that thieves are gleefully anticipating it too. Last year, there was a substantial increase in insurance claims for burglaries in winter, particularly over the festive period.
Halifax Home Insurance reported a 35% increase in claims for forced burglary in the darker months, compared to lighter months, and as homes are often unoccupied for long periods around Christmas – when people visit family and friends – some reports suggest the rate of break-ins rises by up to 20%.
Yet, according to research from ADT Fire and Security (adt.co. uk), more than three quarters (79%) of Brits admit to inadequately protecting their homes.
National Police Chiefs’ Council (npcc.police.uk) lead for burglary, Deputy Chief Constable Chris Rowley, says: “Police officers know how distressing a burglary is for victims, especially over the Christmas period.
“It isn’t just the loss of valuable and sentimental items, but it can also leave families feeling less safe in their own home. We are totally committed to tackling these crimes.
“Simple things can be the most effective way for homeowners and businesses to prevent burglary – such as ensuring all doors are locked and valuables are kept out of sight.
“It’s also sensible for anyone who is leaving their home unoccupied, to think carefully about what they post on social media and whether that post is visible to anyone, or just family and friends.”
Here, the police share tips to prevent Christmas burglary, and former burglar Michael Fraser teams up with ADT Fire & Security, to share the ways we can make our home vulnerable to theft.
1 DOUBLE LOCKING IS KEY
THE police say it’s important to use a dead or double lock on outside doors. Michael Fraser warns that burglars can use their foot to check whether there’s a dead lock on the door – if the door moves more than 2mm, they’ll know a door isn’t double locked.
2 DON’T LEAVE PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE
THE police warn householders not to leave presents under the tree, particularly if they’re visible from windows or doors.
3 LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON
THE police suggest that when householders go out at night, they should consider leaving the lights on with the curtains drawn, so it looks like someone’s at home.
4 CAREFUL DISPOSAL
DISPOSE of present packaging carefully. The police warn empty boxes left outside can advertise that you have new and desirable goods inside your home.
5 LETTER BOX FISHING
AVOID the risk of burglars stealing valuable items from your home through your letter box, such as keys, by fitting a cage to the inside of your letter box, suggests Michael.
6 KEEP CASH ELSEWHERE
NEVER keep large amounts of cash at home.
7 CALENDAR CAUTION
APPOINTMENTS and festive holidays listed on calendars will give potential intruders a window of opportunity to break into your home undisturbed, Michael warns. Ensure information on any calendars cannot be easily viewed through a window.
8 LOCK OUTBUILDINGS
IT’S important to lock any sheds or garages, so thieves can’t gain access to ladders and tools which they could use to get into your home.
9 SELFIE CARE
IF A burglar has access to your name through old post or personal information, they can easily find your social media accounts, warns Michael. Sharing holiday countdowns or updates while you’re away is an open invitation for burglars to head into your home with the knowledge that they won’t be disturbed.
10 KEY ACCESS
THE police warn householders never to leave keys near the front door, as burglars know where to look. If you need to leave keys outside, so family and friends have access to your property, buy a key safe or install a keyless lock and share access.
11 DIGITAL DILIGENCE
IF YOU have a digital alarm system, keep it clean so it’s not obvious which ones are pressed frequently – if burglars know what digits you’re using, they can easily work out your pass code, says Michael.
12 BATHROOM BASICS
A DECEMBER 2018 Verisure UK survey found more than half of burglaries occurred when someone was at home. This can be when you’re in the shower. Michael says it’s easy for a burglar to work out which room is the bathroom – windows are usually obscured – showering without other lights on in your home gives burglars a clear indication they’ll have the time to grab some valuables and make a quick exit.