Go around your windows, doors and conservatories this week and next to make sure that all your locks are fully operational and that there is no broken glass or cracked panes. As the winter approaches and the nights get longer and longer, it’s even more vital for homeowners to focus on domestic security to help prevent break-ins and make it through to spring in one piece.
New research from Towergate Insurance has found that in 2015, household thefts climbed by 20 per cent in the first four weeks after the clocks turned back, which is set to happen on October 30th. Additional analysis of claims data from 2013 shows that thefts from homes rise by 13 per cent on average between October and November – so now really is the time to be more vigilant when it comes to looking after your house.
To help keep you and your family safe, and your possessions inside where they belong, keep all doors locked when you’re at home as well as when you go out, don’t leave your spare key near the back door, always keep car keys and valuables out of sight, leave a light on inside and have motion sensitive lights outside that light up if someone approaches the house.
You’d also be wise to have a burglar alarm installed if you don’t already have one. And make sure that you use it when going out – you’d be surprised at the number of people who do have an alarm but never put it on when leaving the house. Another way of keeping your house off the radar of burglars is to be mindful about what you post on social media. Don’t put pictures of nights out or holidays up on Facebook until you’re back at home and try not to post pictures of the rooms at home as this will tell people your floor plan.
Head of claims with Towergate Jon Cawley said: “As the nights draw in, burglars use the change in season to their advantage and it is easier to understand patterns of when houses are unoccupied. Even the most basic of measures can deter these opportunistic criminals. But it’s not only looking at what security we have in the home, but also the information we are choosing to share on our social media channels. You don’t know who may be reading your updates, announcing when and where you are in real time and through this you’re essentially giving criminals a time frame of when they can burgle your house.”
Aside from burglar alarms, there are other ways you can prevent people from breaking and entering. You could, for example, install a door viewer on your front door so you can see who’s on the other side without having to open the door, or you could go for a deadbolt that will really help to strengthen your front door if someone tries to kick it in.
For bi fold doors in Chester, call us at Malbern Windows today.
