One burglary is recorded every four minutes in November, and it only gets worse as gifts start to pile up under the tree. With the clocks going back and daylight hours shrinking, homes are left more vulnerable – especially with the distractions of Bonfire Night and Christmas providing perfect cover for intruders.
With just 5% of burglaries leading to police charges, the lock experts at Manchester Locksmiths have put together six key tips for homeowners to ward off intruders this winter.
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Upgrade your locks to snap off break-ins
Many homeowners overlook home security with 65% not upgrading their protection in the last two years. Alarmingly, 76% of break-ins occur through doors with 33% achieved by forcing open locks. Requiring zero skills and completed in seconds, lock snapping is one of the most common tactics used by burglars.
To counteract this, install anti-snap locks certified to either SS312 Diamond or TS007 3* standards, as recommended by the police. Unlike one-star locks that offer only basic protection against drilling, bumping, and picking, these higher-rated locks resist snapping.
Remember, locks and handles endure the most wear and tear due to frequent use, so it’s essential to keep up with routine maintenance and professional inspections to safeguard your home.
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Reinforce all entry points and think like a burglar
Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes – where would you target? A well-guarded front door is just the start – windows, back doors, and garages are all potential entry points. Nearly 60% surveyed admit to not locking their downstairs windows, while 47% leave their back doors unlocked.
It’s crucial to make sure all accessible windows are fitted with sturdy locks. Skipping key-operated locks or other security measures might even void your insurance. Consider installing security bars or grilles for added protection and reinforce your windows with security film or tempered glass. Defensive plants, like thorny shrubs, can also be strategically placed around ground-level windows to act as a natural barrier.
Always double-check that your back door is locked and consider extra locking mechanisms like deadbolts or knob locks. The harder you make it for a burglar to enter your home, the more likely they are to give up and seek an easier target.
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Set up motion detection lights
Almost two-fifths (37.5%) of burglaries take place in the evening, between 7 pm and midnight, as intruders use shadows to their advantage to plot their way into homes. Turn the tables by lighting up your fortress with motion sensor lights. These smart lights will activate upon detecting movement, startling would-be burglars as their hiding spots are suddenly illuminated.
Place these lights near entry points such as doorways, garages and dark corners of your property to deter intruders.
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Don’t advertise your absence
Burglars are naturally drawn to empty homes.
Take inspiration from ‘Home Alone’ and create the illusion that someone is around. If you plan to be away for an extended period over Christmas, timer switches for your lights to turn on and off at intervals are a cost-effective solution.
Another clever tactic is to use a TV simulator that emits light patterns resembling a flickering television screen, or simply place a mop or vacuum cleaner in the middle of your living room to convince intruders that someone is home.
Additionally, build a good relationship with your neighbours and ask them to collect any piled-up mail or parcels as these can signal that your home is unattended.
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‘Fence’ off your intruders
Establishing clear boundaries around your property with fences and gates is essential for warding off burglars, serving as a strong first line of defence. A sturdy, well-maintained fence, especially one topped with trellis, makes climbing more difficult and creates noise that can alert you.
Don’t forget to regularly maintain your garden as the police recommend keeping rear hedges at least 1.8 metres tall to deter thieves from climbing over, while front hedges should be kept at a maximum height of one metre. Regularly trimming overgrown shrubs and trees will eliminate potential hiding spots for burglars.
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A ‘Beware of Dog’ sign is not enough – invest in burglar alarms
More than four in five people burgled did not have a burglar alarm installed, making their homes easy targets. Investing in a reliable burglar alarm system is a proactive step to protect your home and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Relying solely on a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign can have the opposite effect, suggesting to potential thieves that you depend on your pet for security as having a pet around may easily trigger alarms. Notably, 60% of burglars report that they will abandon their plans if they encounter a home equipped with a security camera or alarm system.
The experts at Manchester Locksmiths further highlighted key warning signs that burglars might be targeting homes in your neighbourhood:
“With 275,000 break-ins reported across the UK last year – a 4% jump from the previous year – it’s important for homeowners to recognise the tell-tale signs that burglars might be eyeing your property. Watch for unusual activity, like strangers asking to use your restroom or any other unsolicited requests. Unfamiliar vehicles lingering in your area can also be warning signs, especially if a vehicle passes slowly or stops outside your home.
“Another common tactic used by burglars is marking targeted homes with subtle signs. These can include paint marks on walls or fences, ropes tied around posts, or even flyers or stickers left on or near your property to test if anyone is actively monitoring the space. Spotting these signs early can help you take precautions and safeguard your property before an intruder makes a move.”
