Top 8 tips for securing your home this summer

1. According to The Home Office, 56% of burglaries take place during the evening, so be wary of leaving windows open on a warm night when you go to bed.
2. Don’t leave valuable items in reach of an open window or cat flap if you have one – i.e. keys, wallets/purses, bags, mobile phones or iPads.
3. Install a home alarm, so that if the worst happens and there is a break in, you can be alerted quickly and your neighbor’s can contact the police if necessary. They also act as a good visual deterrent.
4. After a day in the garden, remember to put tools and toys in a locked shed or garage overnight as expensive outdoor equipment can be a very tempting proposition for opportunistic thieves.
5. Caravans and motorhomes are also at risk during the summer months. Yale offers inexpensive battery-powered stand-alone alarms, which are ideal for securing mobile homes.
6. Always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home or in the garden – it only takes a minute for a burglar to sneak in.
7. ‘Checking in’ at holiday locations on social media or posting holiday photos can be risky, offering an open invitation to criminals, so take the time to check your settings.
8. Also beware of accepting new friends or connections online if you aren’t associated with them personally. Burglars can pose as ‘friends’ to find out more about you and your home.

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