On Sunday 30th October, the clocks will go back, meaning even longer periods of darkness. So making tweaks or changes to your home security ahead of time is a smart move.
The longer periods of darkness offer a golden opportunity for burglars, giving them the added advantage of the cover of darkness to avoid detection. Reports show that burglaries increase by 15% during the months of October and November, with most intrusions taking place during the working week.
Government statistics show, that over half of all burglaries take place during the hours of darkness, with one in four taking place during daylight hours. Surprisingly 37% of reported burglaries took place while residents were at home.
As official supporters of National Home Security Month, we have put together a list of helpful tips to make your property as unappealing to criminals as possible & help you to protect what matters most.
Winter Security Tips
Lock Doors & Windows
Winter days are the darkest days of the year, so ensure all doors and windows are securely locked to deter those who might exploit the dark. Now is a good time to check the condition of your locks and organise a replacement where required.
Give the Illusion Someone Is Home
We all know the trick of leaving a light on when we go out, but you can create the illusion of being at home by using smart lighting. Smart home security is fast becoming the most popular form of security in the UK. Smart lighting enables you to set schedules & automate your home lighting, creating the illusion that someone is at home when you are away.
Outdoor Lighting The dull and gloomy winter months are ideal for criminals to sneak up and enter properties. Using motion sensor activated security lighting outside your home is a significant deterrent, making your home less of an attractive target to criminals and adding another layer of security to your home. Did you know there are CCTV solutions available that offer cameras with inbuilt security lighting, as well as audible and visual warning systems? For more information click here
Secure Garages and Sheds
Outdoor storage areas like garages and sheds are useful spaces for storing valuables, such as vehicles and bikes. More often than not these spaces are also used to store items like ladders and power tools, which can be used to gain access to your property and are a prime target for thieves. Check the condition and quality of locks, hide valuable items from view, and make these spaces difficult to access. Add another layer of security by adding your shed and garage to your home security alarm system. The latest smart home security systems use wireless technology, meaning garages and sheds can be added without the expense and disruption of installing cables. For more information on Smart Alarm Systems visit www.arsmartsystems.co.uk or call 01473 875975.
Install A CCTV System
Security cameras are one of the most effective ways to deter burglars. As well as being a great deterrent CCTV cameras are an excellent way to gather visual evidence. However, with so many options available, choosing the right system that fits your needs can be a daunting task. We recommend choosing cameras with a high IP rating so they perform well in all weather conditions. We also recommend choosing cameras that give the best performance both in daylight and at night. Most smart CCTV systems offer remote viewing and control via a mobile app. You can find more information on CCTV systems here.
Mark Your Valuables: Mark your valuables with a UV pen and register them with Immobilise. In the unfortunate event your items are taken, make them easier to identify and recover by ensuring they are marked and registered with Immobilise. Immobilise is the UK national property register and is used by the police to identify the owners of recovered items. There are a number of ways that items can be marked or tagged including, UV marker pens, barcodes, bag tags, and security chips. You will find the full range of products at the Immobilise Shop.
Add A Burglar Alarm
Burglar alarm systems are one of the best burglary deterrents. Even reformed ex-burglars admit that they wouldn't target properties that had security alarms fitted. However, many homeowners avoid having a burglar alarm fitted due to concerns over installation disruption, false alarms, and high monthly maintenance and monitoring fees. The latest wireless alarm technology reduces any installation disruption to a minimum, smart motion analysis eliminates false alarms and self-monitoring removes the need for any external monitoring services. Smart alarm systems also offer a wide range of devices, meaning alarm systems can be tailored to specific requirements and controlled via a mobile app. For more information about Smart Alarm Installations visit https://www.arsmartsystems.co.uk/security-alarms-suffolk-essex
Keep Keys Secure
This may seem like an obvious tip, but ensuring keys to your home and vehicles are hidden from view and out of reach is an easy solution to keeping your valuables secure. Letterbox cages can be installed to stop keys from being accessed through the letterbox, however, simply removing them from sight is a much cheaper and simpler solution.
Use A Faraday Key Box Or Pouch
Cars with keyless entry and keyless start are a prime target for criminals. Although the keyless functionality makes life simpler for the car owner, it also makes it much easier for thieves to intercept the key information and steal your car. Criminals use a special radio receiver and computer software to retrieve information from the car key, allowing them to unlock and start the car without the physical key and without entering the property. A Faraday key box or pouch blocks the signals, meaning the key cannot be compromised.
Close Blinds & Curtains
This is another simple but effective tip. During the dark winter evenings, interior lights will be turned on much earlier. When it's dark outside and lights are on inside, it's much easier to see into your home than it is to see out. Creating perfect conditions for potential burglars to scope out your property and valuables. By simply keeping blinds and curtains closed during dark periods, you remove the ability to easily see inside your home.
Although the highlight here is on the security as the nights draw in, break-ins can happen at any time of the day and any time of the year. So be conscious of your home security all year round.
For more winter security tips and advice download the NHSM checklist
AR Smart Systems offer a range of security solutions that are tailored to each customers requirements. For more information or to arrange a free survey call 01473 875975 or visit www.arsmartsystems.co.uk.