Security expert issues burglary warning ahead of Christmas

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Home security expert at Toolstation, Beth Priestley, shared eight tips to prevent burglaries when away on holiday during the festive period as a recent study showed a burglary takes place every 108 seconds in the UK and is even more common during winter. The expert revealed why it might not be a good idea to put Christmas gifts under the tree.

Beth Priestley commented: “Many of our routines are different in the lead up to Christmas – with people spending time out of the home socialising and enjoying the festivities. Thieves know this and will be on the lookout for opportunities to break in.

“Remember, burglaries don’t just happen at night. Even if you’re out for just a few hours in the day, there’s no harm in taking precautions to ensure your home is safe from opportunistic thieves.”

Hide valuable items from view

The expert’s first tip was to make sure valuables are hidden from view as much as possible, especially if people live on the ground floor or on a busy street.

She explained: “Although having wrapped presents under the tree looks nice, for potential thieves looking through the window, it shows exactly where potentially expensive, resellable items are.”

Do you have a security system in your home? Join the debate in the comments section below

READ MORE: Kate Middleton’s body language ‘suggests she loves attention’

Plan deliveries carefully

A parcel on the front step is a sign that the house is unoccupied during Christmas time. Beth said: “Not only do these parcels risk being snatched by passersby, but they also signal that you’re away.

“Where possible, schedule deliveries to arrive when you’re at home, or get them delivered to your place of work. If you’re away overnight, it’s also worth temporarily cancelling things like milk and newspaper deliveries.”

Avoid discussing holiday plans with strangers

According to the expert, 43 percent of burglars know their victims and live close by. “For this reason, it’s a good idea to avoid discussing your plans for Christmas with anybody apart from close friends and family,” she said.

Check windows and doors are locked

Beth revealed that “shockingly, around 25 percent of burglars gain entry through an unlocked window or door”. At Christmas, it can be easier to forget to check every door and window is tightly locked when leaving the home unattended, so Britons should take extra care this winter.

At Christmas, it can be easier to forget to check every door and window is tightly locked

Set your burglary alarm

During the festive period, it can be easy to forget things, such as setting the alarm. “If you don’t use your alarm regularly, check it’s working now – and absolutely don’t forget to set it when locking up,” Beth advised.

Be wary of posting on social media

In recent years, thieves are increasingly turning to social media for information about homeowners who are away. “Consider making your accounts private and, whether it’s a Christmas market or the office party, refrain from posting about it until you return home,” she suggested.

Use automatic timer switches

A plug-in timer allows people to programme electrical devices to automatically come on at certain times, “a great way to make it look like somebody’s in the house while you’re away, for example, you could programme a couple of table lamps to switch on in the evening,” the expert said.

“Plug-in timers are also a brilliant way to ensure your Christmas lights don’t cost you a fortune.”

Ask somebody to pop in

Beth recommended: “If you’re away for a longer period of time, it can be a good idea to ask a trusted neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your home over Christmas. They might stop in to pick up any post and check everything’s in order a couple of times a week.”

New research conducted by home security experts ADT revealed many properties in the UK are at risk of being burgled this Christmas.

According to the survey, some people have home security systems with 34 percent saying they have a video doorbell installed and 30 percent have CCTV at home.

However, another 30 percent of Britons said they don’t have a security system in their home. ADT also revealed that 70 percent of homeowners leave their properties at risk when they go out.

Most common mistakes include leaving windows open whilst out, leaving the front or back door unlocked, leaving the keys inside the door lock, leaving the keys on the outside of the door and leaving the pet flap open.

A spokesperson from ADT explained: “More than two-fifths of respondents shared that they leave their front or back door unlocked when leaving their property.

“Your windows should always be locked when you’re in bed and when you’re out of the house, and it’s even a good idea to lock the window if you are going to be in a different room for a while, as opportunist burglars may strike at any time.”

Source: Read Full Article