Home security in Birmingham and the Greater Midlands is more important than ever, with thousands of burglaries reported each year. Installing a monitored intruder alarm, CCTV, and taking simple preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk and give you peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
Early action with alarms and security measures can prevent break-ins and reduce stress.
Affordable options are available, with monitored systems starting from just £36 per month.
Simple steps like locking doors and windows, closing curtains, and keeping your home looking occupied make a big difference.
If you live in Birmingham or across the Greater Midlands region – urban or rural – it’s important to be on your guard when it comes to home security.
Burglary Statistics in the West Midlands
Burglary figures specifically for the West Midlands up to the year ending March 2025, make for alarming reading. And we certainly didn’t intend any pun with that last sentence.
Nearly 16,000 break-ins were reported during that 12-month period – that’s a a rate of almost two incidents every hour.
So, the problem isn’t getting any better - with unprotected, unalarmed homes being most at risk.
Why Acting Early Matters for Home Security
If you are unfortunate enough to have experienced a break-in, there is more likelihood that you will take positive steps to stop it happening again. That’s the natural response.
In most instances, that means having a burglar alarm installed and, quite possibly, other equipment like CCTV, lighting and additional security cameras.
Having been in the alarm business for over 40 years, installing and maintaining intruder alarms, fire alarms and many other types of security equipment across the Greater Midlands area, we know that the majority of home alarms we fit take place after the property has experienced a burglary.
Whilst it’s always easier to be wise after the event, wouldn’t it be better to have prevented the break-in and all the distress caused in the first place? Of course!
There is no cast-iron guarantee, but it is highly unlikely that the break-in would have occurred had the alarm already been in place.
That’s alright for you to say, you might be thinking – but what about the cost? Alarms are expensive, aren’t they?
Well, no, they really needn’t be...
The Cost of Home Security Is Lower Than You Think
To have a fully monitored and maintained alarm system installed in your house, you certainly won’t have to break the bank. In fact, what you are likely to be spending over the Christmas period on presents, entertainment and holidays is likely to add up to more than the costs for having the alarm equipment fitted – covering an entire 12-month period.
It really is that cost-effective.
Justice Fire and Security’s Home Security System Subscription
From just £36 per month, thanks to the Justice Fire & Security Pay Monthly Home Security Scheme, you can have an affordable “all-the-bells-and-whistles” intruder alarm system up and running in your home, within a matter of hours – and certainly in time for Christmas, a time of year when burglars are at their most active.
It could be the best Yuletide present you buy you and your family this year.
Meanwhile, there are other measures which you can and should take to ensure your home doesn’t become a temptation for a burglar or team of burglars on the prowl.
Keep your Home Safe and Secure This Christmas
These simple security tips will all help to keep your property safe from break-ins.
1. Shut, lock and bolt windows and doors
Make sure you don’t leave windows open or doors unlocked – especially around the side or back of your property, which may be hidden from view. Whether you are away over the Christmas period or coming and going on a regular basis, every time you leave the property, it’s worth checking that every entry point is secured.
And it’s not just your house that deserves protection. The same applies to garages, sheds and outbuildings. The chances are, you’ll have plenty of expensive items stored away – lawnmowers, tools, bikes, cars, sports equipment, furniture etc. So best to ensure all access points are securely locked.
Also, if you have fencing, hedging or gates around the perimeter of your property, is there anything more that you can be doing to ensure it all forms an effective barrier?
2. Close Curtains and Blinds
With shorter days, close your curtains and blinds earlier - especially when the lights are on. Otherwise, you may be laying yourself open to prying eyes. Keep your valuables protected from view as much as possible.
3. Empty property - make sure it appears occupied
Whether you are indoors or going out over the Christmas period (even if only for an hour or two at a time), as far as possible give the appearance that the property is occupied.
These days, you can control when lighting comes on these days via smartphone technology. If possible, leave a car parked on the driveway.
If you are expecting an Amazon delivery, and you are out when it arrives, advise them to leave any parcels out of view – not just dumped on the front doorstep. It’s a signal there’s no one at home. Also, someone might walk off with your goods.
4. Keep keys hidden from view
If you have spare sets of keys available for neighbours or family members to access the property in your absence, make sure they are well hidden from view (or preferably in their possession). You want to avoid leaving keys under doormats or flowerpots – obvious places where a burglar might check.
You might also want to have a secure key box fitted. If you are interested, Justice Fire and Security will arrange for one to be installed during a security system installation or when we are carrying out any scheduled maintenance.
In Summary
Sadly, the Greater Midlands is known to be something of a burglary hotspot. Statistically, however, properties that are protected with a fully operational intruder alarm, CCTV, external lighting etc., are much less likely to be burgled than those without.
Home Security in Birmingham and Beyond
If you are concerned about your home security and crime generally in your area, now could be an opportune time to consider having an intruder alarm installed.
Compared to the expense of Christmas, the costs for having a fully monitored alarm installed can be easily spread into an affordable monthly package.
And it costs nothing to enquire, since all our site surveys are undertaken free of charge and without obligation.
For all enquiries, contact the Justice Fire & Security main switchboard on 0845 468 9077.
