Ways to make your property secure
More break-ins take place in November than any other month. Here are some tips on how to stop burglars stealing from your home.
The clocks go back on October 25 and while the good news is that we get an extra hour in bed, the bad news is that the nights are darker for longer, which brings added security risks.
It is one of the reasons why October has been designated National Home Security Month, sponsored by Yale among others.
There were more than 350,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales in the year ending March 2020, with November being the most common month for home break-ins.
However, according to research from Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch, even though more than half of UK adults have been a victim of burglary and/or attempted burglary, more than two-fifths have not taken any measures to protect the property they live in.
Here are some tips from National Home Security month organisers on making sure your home is safe and secure:
■ Windows and doors: A secure cylinder is vitally important for door security. Most good cylinders in the UK are rated three star and Kitemarked, making them easily recognisable. If you aren’t using a Kitemarked cylinder, it’s likely that your locks are at a higher risk of failing under common forms of attack such as picking or snapping, so consider changing them to boost your security.
■ Lock-snapping is a common entry method for thieves. Look out for signs that your cylinder is vulnerable, such as how far it sticks out (vulnerable cylinders stick out more than the depth of a pound coin) and whether you have a floppy door handle. If either of these is the case, then look to replace the cylinder as soon as possible.
■ You could consider whether it’s time to update to a smart lock. These modern devices are accessed by a smartphone, key fob or PIN code, with some models removing the risk of a picking or lock snapping attack by preventing access to the cylinder. Smart locks are also able to tell you whenever you’ve left a door unlocked, meaning you’ll never forget to secure your home again.
■ Check your windows are all fitted with locks, and if they aren’t, consider fitting some form of lock to them. This is especially important for the more easily accessible ground floor windows, which are often a thieves first target.
■ Check that your rear or side gate is secured with a weatherproof padlock and hasp and that it is still securely attached to the gatepost. If you spot signs that your hasp is loose, or that your padlock is showing signs of corrosion, then replace them with a new unit as soon as possible.
■ Move any tools or ladders into a locked shed or garage or if this isn’t possible, try to secure them to a ground anchor point. This prevents them being used to break into your home.
■ Position any bins away from flat-roofed areas. Thieves will often look for ways to gain access to areas like a roof, which can keep them hidden whilst they break in and can potentially lead to an area without alarm coverage, such as a bedroom.
■ Consider your shed or garage security. If you have a number of valuable items inside, it could be worth investing in a specific outbuilding alarm system and if the shed or garage has a solid foundation, you can look at installing ground anchor points to give you an extra level of protection.
■ Decide on whether you need additional security. A security system can cover all angles of your home and can ward off any potential intruders, whilst visible alarm boxes were found to be the number one deterrent to prospective burglars.
The Master Locksmiths Association says that installing a house or business alarm used to require expensive fixed installation costs with security systems and CCTV networks reserved for those with big budgets.
Now, smart wireless solutions are available providing cheaper, convenient and accessible alternatives. With fast, reliable Wi-Fi and a smartphone it is possible to create a safe, smart and secure home using a system that can be easily installed, controlled and monitored via an app from anywhere in the world.
Renters and homeowners who move house frequently can also benefit from these portable wireless systems, allowing them to disconnect and reconnect at a new address without disruption to either property.
■ During the longer nights, from October to March, burglaries often peak, so it is worth having a light, TV or radio activated on a timer switch at dusk. This creates an illusion of occupancy to deter a potential thief.
■ It is important to consider the contents of your home. There are a variety of forensic property marking schemes which allow you to mark valuable items and register them to your address. They can then be traced back to you if they are stolen and recovered. Use a police approved forensic marking solution only visible under ultraviolet light – a special marker using ink or paint.
More than two-fifths of people have not taken any measures to protect their property.