March in to summer security
As the clocks go forward to officially mark the start of British Summer Time this week (29 March), Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team believes it is a good time to think about home security.
Over the next few months, more and more people will be heading away for a holiday and while sun lotion and currency could be top of the get-away shopping list, automatic timers and window locks probably are not.
So rather than leave it until the last minute, the Community Safety Team suggest taking a little time now to look at your home security:
Ensure all windows and doors can be locked securely, especially at the rear of the house
Fit limiters to windows to reduce the distance they can be opened – the smaller the gap the less chance there is of anyone getting in
Consider installing a visible burglar alarm and good security lighting – these are a huge deterrent to thieves (most burglaries happen in homes that don’t have an alarm)
Mark your property with a UV pen or SmartWater – identifiable property is much harder for criminals to sell on or dispose of
Make arrangements for cancelling newspapers and milk deliveries while you’re away (so they are not left in the letterbox or doorstep)
Ask a trusted neighbour if they will remove post and flyers from your letterbox while keeping an eye on your property when you’re away
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves, sometimes taking advantage of an open window or unlocked door for example.
“Although the risk of becoming a victim in Warwickshire is low, it is worth thinking about your own security measures to ensure you have no unwanted visitors in your home while you’re enjoying your holiday.”
To find out more about home security tips or other Community Safety information, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/communitysafety.