BEAT THE BURGLARS
A s the clocks jump forward, spring has finally sprung. It’s time to clean outdoor furniture, and spend more time outdoors; whether it’s the park or garden or a pub patio.
But you know who also loves the clock change? Britain’s burglars. They hate the dark so the extra hour of daylight means they can operate well into the evening.
And, just like the rest of us, they love warmer weather when we are more likely to drop our guard.
Even if you don’t have a garden, we tend to live more out of doors at this time of year. So we forget to close and double lock main doors, we leave back doors unsecured and – when it gets really warm – we don’t shut windows at night.
That’s all great news for thieves who want an easy route in and out of your home – most don’t want to break anything as this causes attention.
That’s also why May, warmer and lighter, is the peak month for quick in and out burglaries.
There’s a second reason thieves love the spring and summer - there’s more in the way of patio furniture, bikes and garden tools for them to steal.
Typically, they take stuff worth between £1,000 and £1,500, but they won’t say no to any vulnerable gear!
Figures from Co-op Insurance show opportunistic burglaries go up by almost a quarter (23%) when the clocks go forward. During British Summer Time – which continues until the last Saturday in October – quick in and out break-ins soar.
This research shows the busiest day for burglars is a Friday. That’s the day when those who work are most likely to go down to a pub or restaurant in the evening, leaving their homes unattended.
The least likely day is a Sunday, as that’s when you or your neighbours are probably at home.
Some cheeky thieves have worked out that windows left open mean they can sometimes steal valuable items such as laptops or mobile phones just by reaching in and grabbing what they can.
David Huse, chair of the Neighbourhood Watch Network, says: “Police records indicate that burglaries are on the rise. Now, more than ever, people should do what they can to secure their home and possessions.”
Halifax Home Insurance alone had 657 “unforced” break-ins reported during the summer months. It says: “Simple security measures mean we can focus on enjoying ourselves, without being bothered by any unwelcome intruders.”