SECURITY DURING WINTER
THOUGH many wouldn’t think it, the cold and dark winter weather can increase the risk of break-ins at home.
Shorter days means the house stands in the dark for longer, with many not arriving home from work until night time or heading on holiday to warmer climates. This is an added opportunity for thieves to lurk around the property undetected.
Coming home to a break-in can be confronting and have a lasting emotional impact. A recent survey found that 35 per cent of break-in victims experienced stress and anxiety and 11 per cent were unable to be at home alone.
It is important to take extra steps to secure your home during the winter months. Creating the impression that someone is home and installing visible security measures, such as CCTV cameras or alarm systems, can help to deter thieves and reduce the risk of a break-in.
We recommend following these seven home security tips to help protect you, your family and your home:
1. Double check doors and windows are locked before you leave the house. It sounds obvi- ous, but you’d be surprised how often it’s not done. Statistically 12 per cent of break-ins are through an unlocked window.
2. Install time-switch lights. If you travel or get home late, setting automatic timers to turn the lights on when it gets dark can help to create the impression that someone is home.
3. Ensure access points are well-lit. Exterior motion-sensor lights can also help to deter criminals.
4. Check outdoor security equipment, such as lights and motion sensors, are working properly and haven’t been damaged by heavy rain or hail.
5. Cut back shrubs and ensure the entrance to the home is visible from the street. This eliminates hiding spots.
6. Store summer outdoor furniture and sporting equipment out-of-sight and under lock and key.
7. A monitored alarm system is an added layer of security that can provide peace of mind. Seventy-one per cent of people don’t investigate or call the police when they hear an alarm, while a monitored alarm system ensures a response will be initiated and the incident appropriately handled.
For further information and advice on how to best protect your home and your family, call us on 071 9145107 or call into us on the Mall Sligo opposite the Hospital for a talk about protecting your home.