Apr 19, 2018

With the change in seasons comes a change in the risk to your home. 

As the days get longer and the evenings warm up, you're more likely to be out and about - even abroad on holiday. 

You're more likely to spend time in your garden too. 

So how can you protect your home and possessions when your habits change? 

That's where we can help...

1. Hide the tell-tale signs that your home is unoccupied 

If you go away for the weekend or on holiday, make sure would-be burglars can't spot that you're away from home. 

The obvious culprits include mail and newspapers collecting in your porch or milk left on the doorstep. Even things like curtains that don't move or neglected grass can send out signals that your home may be an easy target. 

Fortunately, these issues are easily solved: 

• Cancel milk and paper deliveries
• Consider using Royal Mail's Keepsake service
• Cut your grass before you go away
• Ask a neighbour or a friend to park on your driveway so it looks like somebody is coming and going

2. Lock your doors and windows - even if you're just popping out

When you're in and out of your home on a hot day, it's tempting to leave the door unlocked. 

But remember, burglars don't need long at all to violate your home and take off with your possessions. Don't make it easy for them by leaving entry points open. 

Instead, lock your doors and help keep the burglars out. 

3. Put valuables away in the evening

Got expensive bikes or garden equipment lying around?

Is your garden furniture attractive and desirable? 

Remember, these items can be sold on - especially at this time of year. So be mindful what you leave out on show. For maximum security (and peace of mind), store these valuables in a locked shed, garage or storage box overnight. 

Putting that additional barrier between your belongings and a would-be criminal can be the difference that makes the difference.

4. Be wary what you announce on social media

If your social timeline tells the world that you're not at home (and you won't be for some time), this can give burglars a green light to break in. 

So be mindful about what you're posting. 

Review your privacy settings to be sure the right people are seeing your updates. 

And if possible, save those holiday snaps for when you're back at home. 

5. Remove the hiding places

Remember, burglaries are largely opportunistic. 

This means that if a criminal thinks they can get in and out of your home undetected (and the rewards are worth the risk), then there's a chance they'll go for it. 

Burglars will often stake out their target. 

They'll hide behind trees or use bushes as cover. 

Don't give them that opportunity. 

Instead, keep your hedges trimmed and eliminate the potential hiding places. It can make all the difference. 

6. Protect your home with an intruder alarm

While there's plenty you can do to reduce the risk of your home being targeted, an intruder alarm will increase your level of protection. 

Nowadays, intruder alarms have moved beyond just bells. Thanks to smart technology you can protect your home with affordable CCTV, access panels, and with the right apps - you can even set and observe your alarm from the comfort of your smartphone.

Want some help to make your home safe and secure this spring and summer?

Is so, give us a call - we're here to help