Summer. When the days are brighter and the sun finally makes an appearance. Everyone’s naturally a little more laid back throughout the summer months, getting a much needed boost of Vitamin D. But one thing you shouldn’t be relaxed about this summer is your home security. Why? Because summer is prime time for burglars.
We’re all too busy having BBQ’s and sitting outside in our gardens to notice someone sneaking into our home, and we tend to leave our house less secure. Windows left open, possessions left lying around for all to see, and doors not only unlocked, but wide open.
Your home could be potentially inviting burglars in this summer. Here are some things to avoid doing if you want to make your house less appealing to sneaky burglars waiting to breaking at any opportunity.
Leaving doors open on sunny days
A surprising amount of people leave their doors open by accident when they go out. You should also be mindful of leaving doors wide open even when you are at home. Burglars are bold these days, and if they can slip in and out the house easily, even whilst you are in a different part of the house, they’ll go for it. If you are sunning yourself in the garden, close any doors that you aren’t able to keep an eye on and make sure your sliding doors have something like a patio lock in place.
Leaving windows open when you go out
According to a survey by the Co-operative, a third of homeowners have gone out having left a window open (32{80489f69d0b26025b74cecc274d3bc02e1d4bd0c4aa8acfc05273160dab5de6a}). Yes, it gets hot in the summer and you’ll want to air out your house, but do it when you are in. Don’t risk leaving a window open, even if it’s only open a tiny bit, burglars will see this as an entry point into your home.
If your house doesn’t look lived in
Burglars are very skilled at spotting uninhabited homes. They know the signs that residents are away, such as no lights being on, bins being put out early and a pile of letters and newspapers by the front door. If you do plan to go away, see if you can halt any deliveries or invest in lights that intermittently go on and off to give the impression someone is in. See if you can get a house sitter or friends, family or neighbours to pop in and check on the house every day or so.
Leaving valuables lying around
Everyone is naturally more relaxed in the summer, and it’s all too easy to leave your iPad or wallet lying around the garden whilst you enjoy the (hopefully) sunny weather. Thieves can snatch your valuables within seconds, so don’t give them the opportunity. You can even hide small valuables in a decoy safe, such as house keys.
Stating your whereabouts on social media
Whatever you do this summer, don’t post your whereabouts on social media, as this tells thieves you aren’t at home. That includes ‘checking in’ places and posting selfies of you somewhere exotic. Post your envious holiday snaps after you get back. Otherwise burglars scanning social media sites for opportunities will cherry pick your home for a break in.
Leaving your car keys within reach
According to Key Change Locksmiths “When you go out, don’t leave your keys anywhere near your letter box. Burglars use tools like hangers to get hold of them and will use them to not only break into your home, but also steal your car.”
A survey by the Co-operative found that more than one in five people (21{80489f69d0b26025b74cecc274d3bc02e1d4bd0c4aa8acfc05273160dab5de6a}) have also left keys in view of windows. Also, when you go out for a summer run or bike ride, don’t be tempted to hide your keys under a plant pot outside your house, take them with you instead. More than one in seven people (15{80489f69d0b26025b74cecc274d3bc02e1d4bd0c4aa8acfc05273160dab5de6a}) have left keys in a hiding place outside.
