Summer’s a great time for a bit of fresh air and it’s the season that we cannot wait to arrive, but now it’s here we all know that our British heat can be somewhat muggy. It’s no surprise that we keep our windows open, doors propped, maybe the back gate left ajar while the kids are in and out of the garden. All of these little things we do to enjoy the warmer weather can also make life a bit easier for an opportunistic burglar.
We’re not here to scare anyone, that’s not our style, however, we do want to keep people safe. We’re a small, family-run business in Hertfordshire, and most of our work comes from people who’ve been recommended to us or we help already, so we like to keep it honest, helpful, and simple!
Summer brings a few extra security risks, and a few common-sense steps can go a long way to protecting your home. The information in this blog is exactly what we’d tell our own friends and neighbours so read on for some advice on keeping your home and contents protected this summer.
Windows
We know it's far too stuffy to keep the windows shut in the summer, but open windows (especially on the ground floor or those close to flat roofs or fences) are easy access points for someone with bad intentions.
What to do:
If you're heading upstairs or popping out, even to the garden, close and lock your windows or make sure they are on the latch.
Consider window jammers that let you open them slightly for airflow but prevent them being fully opened from the outside. (We’ll be sharing a tip on these in the coming weeks on our Instagram here).
Don’t leave valuables like handbags, wallets or laptops near windows. They are the first things someone will grab if they’re reaching in and if someone is scoping out your property or business and see you have a fully kitted out office or appealing tech gadgets, it might incentivise them even more!
Doors
You’d be surprised how many break-ins happen without a broken lock or smashed glass. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked front or back door, especially in summer when people are more relaxed and we’re spending more time BBQing and running in and out of the house to the garden.
What to do:
Make a habit of locking your doors, even when you’re home, especially if you’re in the garden or upstairs. You’d be surprised how little you can hear when you’re in the garden and you may be none the wiser to an intruder coming through your front door.
Avoid leaving keys in the lock or on a hook nearby.It’’s one of the first things burglars look for and may even lead to a car theft!
If you’ve got an older door, now might be the time to think about upgrading your locks.
Gates & Side Entrances
Side gates are one of the most common ways intruders get into gardens. Once they’re in, they’re often out of sight, which gives them more time to look around or get into sheds and back doors, patios doors or bi-folding doors.
What to do:
Always keep side gates locked, not just closed as these can be kicked down much easier. A bolt with a padlock is much more of a deterrent.
Install a gate alarm or motion sensor light, it doesn’t have to be expensive, and it’ll alert you or spook someone off, especially in the later evenings!
Don’t leave bins or garden furniture near fences! These are often used to climb over, making it even easier for someone to access your garden.
Keep your property looking ‘lived-in’
If you're heading away for a few days or weeks, it’s worth doing a few small things to make your home look occupied.
Quick tips:
Ask a neighbour to pop in and open/close curtains or park on your drive if possible.
Use timer switches for lights or radios inside the house and even better if you can switch up the routine of the lighting/noises.
Avoid leaving packaging from expensive items (TVs, gadgets, etc.) in the bins as it’s basically advertising what you’ve got inside.
Use a letter catcher or ask a neighbour to collect your post or deliveries as someone may be able to visibly see you’re not home if you have letters on the floor!
Back to Basics: The Little Things That Really Help
Sometimes, it’s the small stuff that makes the biggest difference. Here a few reminders:
Keep keys away from doors and windows. Key fishing (where thieves use rods or wires through the letterbox) is still common and is a tactic that is still frequently used.
Don’t leave garden tools lying around; they can be used to force entry.
You’d be surprised at how attractive a nice garden furniture set, bbq etc can be so try to put away what you can!
Keep garages and sheds locked and consider a battery-powered alarm if they’re detached.
Use a police approved key safe rather than a flower pot when going abroad.
Thinking of Upgrading? Here’s What We Recommend
If you're looking to boost your security a little more, without going over the top, these are a few things we regularly install for customers around Hertfordshire:
Smart video doorbells are great for keeping an eye on visitors or deliveries.
Simple outdoor CCTV kits. Especially handy for driveways or side access.
Wireless alarms that you can arm and disarm via your phone are easy to use and provide great peace of mind whether you’re at home in the back garden or away!
We’re happy to pop round and give you some honest advice. There’s no pressure, just a friendly chat about what might work for your home.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to feel like they’re living in a dead-bolted, high tech fortress, but a few good habits and the right kit can make all the difference!
If you’re ever unsure, just give us a call. Whether it’s a quick question about locks or you want to chat through security options, we’re here to help.