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Burglars have had it hard since the Covid lockdowns increased homeworking to levels never seen before. But burglars are opportunists and will always be looking at ways to break into your home.

A heatwave means open doors and windows, trips to the beach and other social outings to make the most of the hot weather – but this means easy pickings for burglars and other ne’er-do-wells!

Combating the sweltering heat might be at the forefront of your mind and it might even affect your decision-making, but don’t take unnecessary risks as an insurer is unlikely to be sympathetic if they learn that your house was ransacked but you left the windows wide open because it was hot!

Windows

If you leave your house empty, make sure you close all your windows and lock them, as tempting as it may be to leave them open.

The absence of a car on your drive is a clear sign to a burglar that no one is home. Open windows are as inviting to a burglar as an ice cream on a hot day! Ground floor windows and doors should be locked as these are of course the easiest point of entry.

We’d recommend doing a quick check of all windows before you set out. Don’t rely on your teenage offspring to do it…. many have still to learn that light switches also turn lights off!

Social media

Believe it or not, burglars and thieves use social media when scouting their targets. Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok (whatever that is..) are all ways you and your family actively broadcast to the criminal fraternity. Not everyone’s online intention is to simply enjoy looking at your sun-kissed snaps or videos!

If you have children, please explain the importance of this to them. Alternatively (and advisable), do a quick check of your home and ensure that doors and windows are closed and locked before you go out.

Smart devices

The more visible deterrents, the better. The traditional flock of geese is still a great option, but for those of us who rely on more digital methods, obvious video recording of the main points of entry to your home will help deter a thief. Given the choice of two properties side by side, the burglar will always go for the one without a CCTV camera pointing at his or her face!

If you can’t afford a state-of-the-art CCTV system, dummy cameras and alarm signage can be an alternative option – it’s unlikely that a burglar can tell what’s real or fake just by looking at the device mounted on your home.

You can also purchase low-cost devices that automatically turn lights on and off at bedtime to give the illusion that you’re at home sleeping peacefully.

Work time directive

If you’re only popping out to the shops for 5 or 10 minutes, you might think that it’s OK to leave the windows open. Again, this is risky. Burglars and thieves are more efficient than you might think. Their modus operandi is to get in, get out. The less time spent in the home, the less likely it is that they’ll be caught.

So, five minutes is all they need.

Away for a while?

If you’re going to be away for a while, ask your neighbour or friend to keep an eye on things. Make sure they have your number and pop in, not only to make sure your plants stay alive but also to check everything is in order and nothing unforeseen has happened at your property whilst you’ve been away. Usually, the sooner issues are dealt with, the better.

Beware of the dog

Hang a sign on the front and back of your house! Burglars like to break and enter without the threat of being bitten by a family pet. A sign is a deterrent. Even if you don’t own a dog, it’s another way to discourage a thief from seeing your home as the soft option in your neighbourhood.

These are just a few of our tips to help you protect your home over the next few months.

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