Homeowners warned to watch out for burglary spike this summer

While most of us have spent more time at home than ever during lockdown, burglaries have significantly reduced. However, experts warn that as restrictions ease, burglars are more likely to strike this summer.

As homeowners have been advised to be cautious, here are some inexpensive ways to protect your home against intruders:

Have the right insurance in place

Households should have adequate home and contents insurance as this should cover their belongings should the worst happen and their home be broken into.

Always lock up

Did you know that most burglaries happen during daylight hours (between 10 am and 3 pm) and 34% of burglars enter through the front door?

Remember to use window locks, lock garages and lock sheds. Even if you're not going far and even when you're in the house, when doors and windows aren't in use, make sure to lock up.

Ensure you have suitable locks for your needs, including front doors, back doors, windows, conservatory doors, garages and sheds.

Tenants are advised to be just as vigilant. If you live in a flat, you should keep the main access door locked and ask your landlord for any security systems you think they might need, for example, an alarm or better locks on your door.

Inspect your entry points

Inspect all entry points, especially those on the first floor and replace, repair or reinforce them as needed. Don't forget, even if your locks are solid, a well-placed kick on a weak and flimsy door or window could allow someone inside in seconds.

Keep valuables out of sight

Burglars have been known to reach through letterboxes and hook out keys left on the side table. Don't put valuables like electronics, jewellery, cash, personal documents or keys where people can see through a window.

Keep tools, bikes and other easy-to-grab items locked up when you're not using them.

Leave your spare key with a neighbour

Hiding a key in a predictable place like under the welcome mat or in a flowerpot near the door makes things way too easy for an opportunist. Give your spare key to a trusted neighbour instead, or pick up a combination lockbox installed in a concealed place.

Technology

Having good security is important to keeping a home safe. Smart security is becoming increasingly popular as households turn to enhanced tech to protect their home.

Such popular items include smart doorbells, smart door locks, smart thermostats, smart lightbulbs and smart alarms. If you have these devices, you should contact your insurer, as it may help reduce premiums.

Going away?

If you’re leaving town, make your house look lived in. Ask a neighbour to open curtains or blinds in the morning and close them in the evening. If you're able to, set porch or outdoor lights to a timer.

Don't showcase your absence on social media - you never know who's watching.