Act now to improve your home security over Autumn / Winter

Winter is well known as a burglar’s favourite time

This makes it a tempting time for burglars to scope out properties than at other times of the year as they think they’ll have less chance of getting caught.

The statistics show that this is by far the most favoured season for thieves, with burglaries increasing by up to 20%.

If you are unfortunate enough to be burgled, figures show the average cost of replacing stolen items to be £1,746. And when Christmas comes round, an extra £822 worth of presents will be in the average UK home this year, making breaking and entering one even more tempting; gifts are also often much easier to smash and grab than other, more day to day, household items.

Prevent yourself from being a victim of crime and burglary, with our short guide on how to improve security on your property. Now it is the perfect opportunity to make sure we are prepared for the coming winter by reviewing our homes and bringing our security up to scratch.

Although last winter may seem like a distant memory, we all know how quickly the year can fly by and getting your house winter-ready now means that you can enjoy the long evenings safe in the knowledge that once the dark nights hit you have done everything you can to protect yourself, your family and your property. Here are our top tips for boosting security in time for winter:

Most of us spend more time in the garden over the summer so why not start here? Fix any broken gates and fences, make sure any tools are securely stored away so they cannot be used to break into your property and cut back any bushes that obstruct view
Install a quality lock on sheds and garages – LockFit recommend and even install security approved locks.

• Review the exterior of your property to make sure there aren’t any broken windows or door frames or opportunity to gain access to your home through garages or conservatories
• Ask a qualified locksmith to review your doors and windows (including internal doors to conservatories and garages) to make sure they have the most appropriate locks, are in good condition and meet your British standards insurance requirements, Lockfit can recommend high security lock upgrades which can be very cost effective and may not be as expensive as you may think.
• Consider your own influence on security and make sure you put an end to any bad habits you and your family may have. For instance don’t leave your keys in the door or in view always keep keys out of reach, always set alarm codes and lock any doors, windows and side gates
• Opportunist thieves can often approach homes that look like nobody is at home so install light timers to make it appear as if someone is at home
  Security measures such as alarms and CCTV act as a deterrent and can be used throughout the year
• Side windows can be smashed to gain entry so consider adding reinforced glass or maybe even blocking them up. Decorative grilles and bars can also vastly improve the security of a home without being detrimental to the aesthetics
• Consider asking a specialist locksmith to specify and install a home safe to store all your valuables.
  You may also want to install top and bottom bolts on French doors or add sash jammers to UPVC doors
• It is also worth considering when your locks were last replaced, whether past owners or tenants may still have keys to your home and whether anyone may have made copies of your keys without your knowledge. If you are worried ask a professional locksmith to change your locks or even to re-key them.
• Consider installing sensor lighting to the front and back door of your home – this will deter potential thieves and help you gain entry into your home in the dark
• And finally, take a note of the number for LockFit they are based in Burton On Trent and store their number in your phone - 0800 210 1010. LockFit are currently offering a free local home or business site security check with no obligation. LockFit are a local business serving all areas of Burton On Trent, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Lichfield, Swadlincote, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Cannock, Rugeley, Wolverhampton, Stoke On Trent, Leicestershire, Birmingham and all parts of the West Midlands and surrounding areas they pride themselves on efficiency, friendliness and quality of workmanship. 
• You can also visit their website for further information www.lockfit.co.uk