Whether it’s ensuring the bills are paid, the oven’s switched off, or even cleaning the house top to bottom, we all want peace of mind before going on holiday.
Yet many of us still experience nagging thoughts as our bags get checked-in and duty free awaits. Did I close the windows, and was the back door locked?
Summer holidays bring with them a spike in home burglaries – and the need to be extra vigilant against theft.
As Caroline Mills, head of brand at Safestyle windows and doors, with more than 20 years experience in the UK home improvement industry, trends and property improvement points out, even heading out for a quick shopping spree can be a prime moment for an opportunist burglar.
Here, she shares some must-knows to prevent a break-in…
Strong locks and secure fittings are a major deterrent
One of the easiest routes into your home is an open window, or patio door with a poor locking system.
Mills says the longer a door takes to force open, the more likely a housebreaker is to move on.
Highlighting the importance of secure fittings, high-strength locks and heavy duty doors, she recommends the following…
Choose doors with a multi-point locking system: Unlike a traditional lock which secures in just one place, she says multi-point locks engage at several points around the frame, making doors significantly harder to force open.
High-security cylinder locks are valued for good reason: Mills says features such as anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill cylinders provide added protection against the most common methods used by opportunist burglars.
Independently tested: Security accreditation signals locks for windows and doors have been independently tested to recognised British Standards. Moreover, she says these security schemes provide extra peace of mind.
Hinges and frames play a key role: Strong hinges, and a properly fitted frame are all important parts of an effective security system, underlines Mills.
Adding the best security comes from the whole door set working together… think frame, hardware, locks and installation quality all play an important role.
Strength of the door: Mills suggests composite doors are a smart choice. Built to be robust and secure, when combined with modern locking systems, they’re far more resistant to forced entry. An added bonus, they provide sound weather protection, insulation and durability.
Glass features: Most burglars want to avoid making noise, notes Mills, but will still target glazing if they think they can gain access quickly. She recommends anti-theft glass features such as laminated security glass for increased security, helping to deter intruders, and provide an extra layer of protection.
Burglars scout streets and target valuables before entry
Thieves are always on the lookout for something they think is worth the risk, with many of us guilty of advertising things worth stealing, without realising it.
Items such as a flat-screen TV box left outside for collection shouts exactly what’s inside, suggests Mills. Not to mention parcels piling up on the doorstep is a clear sign nobody’s home.
To be vigilant, she suggests breaking down and recycling packaging, and concealing any labels which might signal something spendy.
Being mindful of possible deliveries and letting a trusted neighbour know you’re going away also helps. Just as you might ask them to water a window box, the same applies to clearing flyers from the letterbox.
Chances are, they’ll be happy to do it if you offer to return the favour.
Essentially, look at your home the way a burglar would, suggests Mills. Sturdy bins, garden tables and ladders can all be a step up to a window, so it’s worth bringing them indoors; or locking them in the garage or outdoor shed.
Securing your home
Being careful to avoid potential theft will always be a win-win, and as Mills points out, securing your home is a combination of locking windows and doors, and removing the temptation to break-in.
At the end of the day, the harder you make your home to be robbed, the less likely a thief will steal something they think is worth taking.