Did you know that over 371,000 burglaries were reported in England and Wales between July 2015 and June 2016? Lots of break-ins occur when people are away for the Bank Holiday.
And since it’s Bank Holiday weekend, we’ve put together 8 tips to help you avoid burglaries over this long weekend.
1. Keep lights on
We know we’re often telling you to switch your lights off, but it’s a good idea to keep a light on a timer for when you’re not home. It’s even better if you can have multiple lights on timers to go on and off at different times.
This will help to create the illusion that someone’s at home, deterring burglars from trying to enter your property.
2. Use exterior lighting
Security lighting around the outside of your home is vital to keep Bank Holiday burglars away. The nights are pulling in now, so criminals have more darkness to hide in. Install lights that come on when someone is near your property to deter burglars.
3. Lock your car
Even if you keep your car locked in your garage, always lock your car. And never leave any valuables on display.
4. Lock your doors
Double check that you’ve locked your doors and windows before you leave your house. It’s also a good idea to lock your doors at night before you go to bed too.
5. Use a deadbolt
Make sure you’ve got a heavy-duty deadbolt on your front door. Most burglars try to enter through the front door, so keeping it secure is imperative.
6. Be sensible with your windows
We know this Bank Holiday weekend is going to be a hot one for most, but don’t open your windows any more than 4 inches. This will stop any intruders from getting in.
7. Store your valuables
Keep a safe somewhere inconspicuous with your valuables, such as jewellery and your passport, stored inside. Make it difficult for burglars to find the things that matter to you the most.
8. Install security measures
An intruder alarm is a very effective way to deter burglars. If people can see the alarm from the exterior of the property, they are far less likely to break in.
It’s also a good idea to install CCTV on your property. Whether you actually record or not, burglars won’t want to risk being caught on film.
If you need some tips on how to keep your property secure, fill in the form below and we’ll put you in touch with up to 4 companies who can advise you on the best measures for you.