When the warm weather arrives it is tempting to throw open all of the windows and doors in your home to let in in the breeze but unfortunately you may be inviting less welcome visitors into your home in the shape of burglars . The less scrupulous members of your community will be well aware of the opportunities afforded by hot weather and will be ready to take advantage. Most burglaries are opportunist events so don’t extend an open invitation to anyone less than honest that may be passing your property.
Alarms
If you don’t have an alarm at your home consider investing in a system because it’s very existence will dissuade many offenders from even trying to enter your home. Why would they tackle an alarmed property when there are plenty of others which make for easier pickings? If you do have an alarm, always arm the system when you leave the house and even when you are at home it if it is set up in such a way that you can get out of bed without tripping it yourself. Modern systems have sensors which will ignore pets so even if you have cats or dogs an alarm is perfectly practical.
Lighting
Many burglaries occur at night when offenders use the cover of darkness to help them gain access to your property. Security lights with motion sensors are a great idea and can be an effective deterrent but take care only to light open areas where an intruder can be easily seen. If you illuminate alleys and concealed areas all you are doing is lighting their way for them.
Valuables
Never leave valuables like handbags, jewellery and keys in plain sight even if your doors are locked. Displaying what you have got is just offering a temptation and telling a burglar that there is something worth having that they can grab quickly and leave. The last thing any intruder wants to consider is spending a long time looking for their loot. The quicker they can leave the less likely they are to be caught in the act. Remember that a high proportion of break-ins are opportunist acts so don’t provide the inspiration and remember it is possible to grab small items by passing a hook through a cat flap
or letterbox.
Doors
Always lock all of your doors when you leave the house and preferably even when you are at home. If you leave the back door open an intruder can easily slip in unnoticed whilst you are in another room. When you lock the door take the keys out and leave them somewhere out of sight. Enterprising criminals will be able to hook them through letterbox and let themselves in. Make sure that all exterior doors have more than one lock or bolt and never leave a spare key outside. Burglars are wise to this practice and will be looking for your keys before they attempt to gain entry. Consider attaching a bell to your exterior doors so you will hear if anyone enters. This could buy you the time you need to call for help.
Windows
Like doors, windows should always be kept closed and locked when you are not at home. Modern replacement windows like Rehau and Residence 9 will have locking systems but if you have older windows without locks look into your options for improving security. Never leave downstairs windows open when you are not in the room. If you have PVCU windows make use of the function which enables you to open the unit a fraction whilst it Is still locked or fit restrictors to the windows.
These measures might seem extreme and with busy lives it is easy to drop your guard but there is no doubt that burglaries rise during hot weather simply because people get careless and the intruders know they do.
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Sally Stacey is a professional writer who also owns a bridal shop and was on the board of a London based distribution company for 16 years. A frequent traveller for both leisure and business, Sally is always looking for a new adventure to write about.