Summer’s here! For some of us this means holidays galore, whether that’s jetting off to an exotic location or a weekend away somewhere closer to home.
However, summer is also the perfect time for opportunistic thieves, leaving your home vulnerable to attacks when you’re not there.
To ensure your home stays secure wherever, and whenever, you go, we’ve put together a list of tips to keep your home safe while you’re away.
Keep your friends close
Ask a friend or a trustworthy neighbour if they can watch your home whilst you’re away. They’ll be able to report any suspicious behaviour to the police and remove tell-tale signs you’re not at home such as post left hanging out of the letterbox.
Alternatively you could ask a friend or family member to house-sit for you, a good option if you have pets but don’t want the hassle of having to relocate them to temporary accommodation.
Lock all windows and doors
This one sounds simple but it’s amazing how many people forget! Make sure you lock all windows and doors, even windows on second/third storeys. Many people don’t do this in the belief no one will be able to find a way up, but objects such as bins and fences lend a helping hand to potential intruders.
The most common entry method for a burglar is the door so check this is locked and secure, and do the same for any entrances leading from your home to a conservatory or garden or patio area.
Move expensive items out of view
And not just items in clear sight of your windows. Bikes, tools and other valuable items kept in the garden can also be prime targets. Make sure anything valuable is kept covered or hidden from view, and keep garden items in a secure garage or shed to stop any potential thieves in their tracks.
Properly lock any fence doors and garden gates too. Potential burglars will have a much harder time trying to climb over without getting caught than they would if they’re able to simply walk right in.
Don’t post details of when you’re away
That picture you took and uploaded whilst on holiday of you sunning yourself might make your friends jealous but it’s also a clear indication you’re not at home and won’t be anytime soon.
Don’t post details of your holiday online in public forums such as dates you’re away or whereabouts you live as criminals scan posts like these as a way to find their next target. If you must share that photo of you enjoying a margarita use a forum you can set to private or email it instead. You can always upload all your snaps when you’re back!
Secured by Design
If you go away a lot or simply want to upgrade your security, Secured by Design (SBD) home improvement products, such as windows and doors, provide increased protection for your property.
Secured by Design is a police initiative focusing on crime prevention through products that meet a specific standard of security. By having these SBD windows or doors installed you can rest assured knowing your home is safe.
Premier Windows offers Secured by Design accredited uPVC windows and doors which are designed to resist break-ins and common attack methods burglars use such as lock snapping and bumping.
For more information on how you can increase security in your home with Secured by Design products, call us on 020 8683 4446 or contact the Premier team here.
