With many Britons taking advantage of the summer holidays and jetting away in the next few weeks, homes across the UK will be left unoccupied for days and weeks on end. Data from the Office of National Statistics suggest the summer season leads to a spike in burglaries in the UK.
There are some key measures you can take to avoid being susceptible to home burglaries. For a quick deterrent, consider leaving a pair of shoes at your front door before you leave for your holidays.
Express Bi-Folding Doors has teamed up with Ivelin Hristov, home security expert at Fantastic Handyman, to provide tips on how to deter burglars and keep your home safe this summer.
Ivelin said: "It's the time of year again when people go on holiday, making it crucial to tighten home security to deter burglars while you're away, and with 266,489 police recorded burglaries in the past year alone, it's important to be thoroughly prepared and protect your home and belongings whether you are on holiday or not."
There have been 266,489 police-recorded burglaries in the past year alone
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Leave a pair of shoes at the front door
Britons were advised: "If you're going away for a few days, leave a pair of large work boots or muddy shoes outside your front door."
This can be done in seconds but can have a big impact, making burglars think twice before targeting your home.
The expert explained: "This can create the illusion that someone is home and can deter any potential burglars.
"You could also ask your neighbours or friends to leave a different pair of shoes each day so it looks like someone is constantly present at home."
Take care of your trash
"What might seem like a small and irrelevant detail can catch a burglar’s attention, such as outdoor bins," the expert said.
What you put into your bins gives an insight into the kind of things you own - "recycled trash, in particular, can reveal if you've purchased anything expensive".
Ivelin advised: "To prevent this, break down large boxes to make it harder for burglars to identify valuable items. Additionally, consider ways to keep your trash visually concealed until it's collected."
Install outdoor motion-activated lights
For better home security, Ivelin suggested investing in motion-activated lights and installing these around the perimeter of your house.
He said: "This is actually one of the home security solutions that has proven to be the most effective. The sudden bright lights can startle potential intruders and scare them away because they usually prefer privacy and will be deterred by a well-lit property."
Barking dog alarm
The expert advised: "A barking dog alarm can also be an effective deterrent against burglars while you're on holiday.
"These devices mimic the sound of an aggressive dog barking when motion is detected, creating the impression that a vigilant and potentially dangerous pet is guarding the home.
"Burglars often seek easy targets and are likely to avoid properties where they perceive a risk of confrontation or exposure.
"The realistic sound of a barking dog can significantly increase the perceived difficulty and danger of breaking into your home, thereby reducing the likelihood of an attempted burglary."
Create foot traffic
This next tip is for Britons who can enlist the help of others to put burglars off.
Ivelin suggested: "If you'll be away for an extended period, ask a neighbour or a friend to park their car in your driveway or in front of your house every now and then. This creates the impression that the house is occupied."
The expert also recommended having them pick up your post too, as a buildup of letters and packages can signal your absence.
For a more long-term solution, he suggested that forming a neighbourhood watch could be a good idea. He said: "A close-knit community can be a very effective way to discourage criminals from targeting your area."
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Invest in a barking dog alarm to reduce the likelihood of an attempted burglary
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Use a fake TV simulator
Ivelin said: "Fake TV simulators are also another great option for deterring burglars. These devices create the illusion of a flickering TV screen, implying the presence of someone at home. This will be especially useful if you're away on holiday, especially in the evenings.
"Alternatively, you can also just keep a radio turned on if you’re not at home. A cleverer way to incorporate one is through an app, meaning you can schedule to turn it on whenever you’d like."
Managing director at Express Bi-Folding Doors, Steve Bromberg, said: "Ensuring your home is secure while you're on holiday is crucial. A robust front door with strong security features such as a five-point locking mechanism and anti-snap security cylinders is your first line of defence, providing peace of mind and protecting your property from potential intruders. However, if you want to take additional measures, I hope our tips are of help.”
