Britons can deter thieves and keep their homes safe by avoiding holiday habit

Security expert and General Manager of Crime Guard, Sue Titley, shared 10 tips and tricks that can "significantly reduce the likelihood of a break-in".

Sue urged Britons to be "savvy" on social media, ditching a holiday habit many Britons are guilty of. She advised: "Avoid sharing holiday updates or geo-tagged photos while you're away as this signals your home is unoccupied.

"A 2023 study by Aviva found that one in five people had been burgled after posting holiday details online.

"Research also indicates that 43 per cent of burglars know their victims, so be wary of who you share your posts with."

Britons can also deter burglars by scheduling their deliveries. Sue said: "Delivery drivers often leave parcels on doorsteps assuming you’ll be home shortly to collect them. However, this is a clear indication that you aren’t home, and as such your property may become a target.

"Schedule your deliveries for when you're in, opt for signature-required deliveries for valuable items, or have packages delivered to secure locations like your workplace. Parcel theft in the UK has risen by 57 per cent in the last year, making these precautions more relevant than ever."

Britons can also use lighting to keep their homes safe. The expert advised: "Motion-sensor lights are a great way to catch intruders off guard, leaving them feeling exposed. Solar-powered pathway lights can also deter thieves before they even reach your door.

"Given that 34 per cent of burglaries in the UK happen during the day, daytime security measures are essential."

She added: "Fake security cameras are surprisingly effective in deterring thieves. Though they don’t physically prevent break-ins, realistic-looking cameras create the illusion of monitored property.

"According to the Home Office, 95 per cent of burglars actively avoid homes with visible security systems."

The expert added: "Leaving the radio or TV on low volume when you are out creates the illusion that someone is home, and is particularly effective between 10am and 4pm when 31 per cent of UK burglaries happen. Opt for news channels or talk radio for a more natural-sounding effect."

Another tip the expert provided was to utilise a £1 coin to suss out how secure your locks are. She said: "Lock picking remains a common tactic among burglars, and this highlights the importance of having robust locks.

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"To check if your cylinder is vulnerable to lock-snapping attacks, simply place a £1 coin against the cylinder - if it protrudes more than the depth of the coin, it should be replaced with a more secure option. Fortunately, you can learn to fix a door lock through online tutorials, making it a relatively straightforward security upgrade."

Another important security tip was to clean your alarm keypad: She said: "Burglars can potentially crack your alarm code if they find traces of your fingerprints on the keypad, so wipe it down regularly! It’s also wise to create a complex passcode combination to thwart any attempts of tracing it."

Sue's next tip was to hide your calendars. She said: "If your calendar is visible from a window, it’s time to move it! With valuable information like when homeowners are away, calendars inadvertently provide burglars the opportunity to strike when you're not at home.

Finally, the security expert urged Britons to be vigilant about their garages. She said: "Garages are overlooked entry points, with a worrying 27 per cent of UK burglars gaining entry through garages or sheds. Secure garage doors with strong locks, and consider adding motion sensors or an alarm system within the garage itself."

Finally, it may seem obvious but Britons must always lock their doors. The expert said: "Nearly a third of UK homeowners forget to lock their doors or windows when going out, making it easy for thieves to enter your home.”