As the school summer holidays approach, families are eagerly anticipating their time away. However, burglars are also looking forward to the next couple of months for different reasons.
According to a recent study conducted by 247 Blinds on home security measures and burglaries, the month of August has been recorded as one of the highest for spikes in break-in incidents. With many homeowners away on holiday, this time of year can be a cause for concern.
The research reveals that 42% of UK residents are more worried about being burgled in 2023 than in previous years. Of course, home security is the last thing you want to think about while you’re sunbathing on the beach.
To help alleviate some of these worries, 247 Blinds has partnered with home security specialists Simplisafe to share tips on how to avoid break-ins and relax while you’re away.
One important tip is to avoid broadcasting your holiday plans on social media. Jonathan Wall, UK general manager at Simplisafe, advises against posting about vacations or overnight stays, as well as keeping valuables out of view from windows.
Another useful suggestion is to set up a Keepsafe at the post office. Jonathan recommends asking the Post Office to hold any mail you may receive during your time away. This prevents a build-up of letters that burglars could use to indicate that you haven’t been home in a while. It also provides an added layer of security for your post, especially considering the prevalence of fraud and identity theft.
Locking all windows and doors properly is another crucial step. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of ensuring all entrances to your home are securely locked before going to bed or leaving the house. This is particularly significant in areas with higher levels of break-ins, such as student-heavy neighborhoods where thieves may target those who have forgotten to lock up.
Investing in home security gadgets can also be a great deterrent. Jonathan suggests installing a bell box, an outdoor siren, which signals the presence of a burglar alarm inside the home. Some alarms are connected to professional monitoring centers that can request police response. Video doorbells are also highly effective, acting as visible deterrents and capturing crucial evidence for the police. Additionally, placing outdoor security cameras alongside covert ones adds even more deterrence to your property.
Lastly, Helen O’Connor, product manager at 247 Blinds, recommends installing motorized blinds as a smart and cost-effective alternative to other home security measures. These blinds create the illusion that someone is home even when you’re away, making your property a less attractive target for potential burglars. Motorized blinds can be set on a timer and are indistinguishable from regular roller blinds.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your summer holiday with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken steps to protect your home.