Avoid getting burgled this summer!

In the UK, 83 burglaries happen every hour*, a number which goes up dramatically over the summer holidays when houses are left unoccupied for prolonged periods of time.

ProblemSolved, the directory of reliable local tradesmen has these top tips on keeping your home safe from intruders whilst you’re away.

Top Tips to Avoid Getting Burgled This Summer

– Make it difficult – 2 in 10 burglaries don’t involve force of any kind. Make sure that windows and doors are locked and remove spare keys from their usual “hiding place.”

– Windows – Window locks can be bought and installed relatively cheaply. Be sure to notify your home insurance provider as your premium may well go down as a result.

– Doors – Fit a five-lever mortise deadlock about a third of the way up the door. Most insurance companies are happy with one Kitemarked to British Standard BS3621.

– Letterboxes – Circulars may not be the only thing going through your letter box. Make sure that your letterbox is at least 400mm from any locks. And whatever you do, don’t leave the keys on a piece of string.

– Neighbours – make sure that you have someone to move your post – nothing advertises an empty post than a pile of junk mail on a door mat. Make sure you cancel milk and newspaper deliveries and it’s worth cutting the lawn before you go away.

– Lighting – motion activated lighting will put off and draw attention to would-be burglars. Make sure that they’re directed downwards so as not to annoy passing traffic and neighbours and always position them out of reach (about 2.5m is recommended).

– Garages and sheds – outbuildings and garages are particularly vulnerable and will often be the first place to start for opportunistic thieves looking for a screwdriver or crowbar. Make sure they’re securely locked.

– Alarms – Most burglars will be deterred by an alarm but avoid cheap models. False alarms will be a nuisance to you and your neighbours. If you have or are getting an alarm, make sure you’ve tested and that it meets British Standard BS4737 or BS6799 (wire-free) or the new European Standard EN50131-1.