Who’s up for cold, wet weather? Not many of us. And you can include the burgling fraternity amongst those numbers.
Breaking into people’s houses when the temperature is barely above zero, or in a howling gale accompanied by horizontal rain, aren’t the favoured meteorological conditions for even the most persistent of criminals.
Bearing in mind that theft from property entails a fair amount of outside activity, it’s easy to see why warm, sunny weather provides the most agreeable time of year for intruders.
Here’s what we suggest you do to keep on top of security this summertime to beat the burglars:
Why Home Security in Birmingham Matters More Than Ever
Crimes spike during the summer months with the West Midlands being no exception – which is why it is very important to make sure your home is properly protected when the weather is at its best (or at least, is meant to be!)
Install a Highly Cost-Effective Modern Home Security System
If you are a burglar looking for a house to break into, you’ll more likely to select somewhere which clearly doesn’t have a burglar alarm system. Homes fitted with working, properly maintained security equipment, are far less likely to be targeted than those without.
And it needn’t be expensive to have a highly effective wireless alarm system installed within a matter of hours – for as little as £36 a month.
Using the latest wireless technology, your home security system can be tailored to the specific layout and spec of your home (pet-friendly sensors are part of the package) and including round-the-clock monitoring, with everything connected to your smartphone via an app. It may sound sophisticated (and it is) but, most important of all, it’s the best way to burglar-proof your home.
Check out all the options here.
And once you have an intruder alarm installed don’t forget to activate it every time you go out. When you are in a hurry, setting the alarm can be easy to overlook.
The Basics - Don’t Leave Your Home Unlocked
Even if your home is protected with a burglar alarm system, it’s important to take care of other basic security measures.
When it is warm, windows tend to get opened – and left opened. Always ensure they are shut and locked (where possible), along with all doors. This applies whether you are only popping out for a short time or are away for an extended period.
It’s so easy to forget your home security when you may only be heading out for half an hour or dropping in on a neighbour. An eagle-eyed thief will be quick to take advantage should any walk-in entry opportunities present themselves.
The same applies to the garden, garages and sheds. Don’t leave expensive items lying around on the lawn overnight. Similarly, garage doors left open provide an open invitation, if you are not close at hand. Valuables like bicycles, mowers and tools can quickly go walk-about if left unguarded.
Pretend You Are Home with Timers and Lighting
No one at home during the evening? Even with longer days and less need to draw curtains and switch on lamps, it’s still best to simulate activity. It’s a good idea to have timers set for certain lighting or to programme the TV to come on, giving the impression that someone is in the property. This is especially useful if you are away on holiday and the house is likely to be unoccupied for maybe a week or longer.
You are less likely to be targeted if a burglar thinks there’s someone at home.
Keep Neighbours or Family Members Informed
No one is suggesting that your friends or family need to take on the role of full-time detectives. But asking someone you know well or who you can rely on to keep an eye on things whilst you are away on your summer holiday, is always a good idea. If you aren’t already and it is practical, being part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme might be an idea. Keeping an eye on each other’s homes and checking on suspicious activity is a good deterrent.
Don’t Broadcast Your Whereabouts on Social Media
Informing your circle of contacts on Facebook etc about what you are up to, is almost second nature to many these days.
But give some thought before telling everyone that you are currently in Croatia on a fortnight ‘s break and clearly nowhere near your home. If this info gets into the wrong hands, you could find you are on the receiving end of some very unwelcome visitations. Be discreet about what and when you post. Best advice - wait until you are back before broadcasting your activities.
Stay Safe, Stay Smart
Summer is one of the best seasons of the year - a time to relax and enjoy more of an outdoor lifestyle. Just ensure you aren’t lax with your home security. Taking a proactive approach to security – with a modern alarm system being the best line of defence – is the best way to keep your loved ones and property safe, enabling you to make the most of any hot, sunny weather that materialises!
Home Security Steps for Those Living in Birmingham and Beyond
Having a burglar alarm system is something you may have never considered until now - but is now more affordable than ever.
As a fully accredited installer of cost-effective, gold-standard intruder alarms and fire safety systems, Birmingham-based Justice Fire & Security have been successfully assisting home and business-owners with their security arrangements since the 1980s.
Operating throughout Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, we cover major conurbations like Wolverhampton, Lichfield, Coventry, Stoke and Telford, as well as all the smaller towns and villages in between.
To book a free survey, call us on 0345 468 0927 and we will send out one of our experienced, locally based engineers to recommend the most viable option for your home.
