This week, homeowners were reminded of the importance of home security - especially during the current heat wave.

In an effort to stay cool, many homeowners are leaving windows and doors open - but police have warned that many opportunistic burglars are taking advantage of this, and sneaking in to steal valuables - often whilst residents are in their homes.

According to the Halifax, in the Summer months, insurance claims for burglaries rise by up to 50%. Plus, over half of these burglaries happen when the home is occupied.

So, opportunistic burglaries may be on the rise, but there’s no need to be a victim - simply follow our tips to safeguard your home this Summer:

Top Summer Security Tips

1. 33% of burglars access properties via back windows or back doors. Secure gates and fences to prevent would be burglars from accessing the rear of your property. Additionally, make sure your backdoor is kept securely locked; and always secure all windows and doors when your home is unoccupied.
2. If you are out in your back garden, make sure the front of your home (i.e. windows and doors) are all securely locked.
3. Keep your valuables (e.g. handbags, wallets, car keys, mobile phones, MP3 players, jewellery etc) out of view - otherwise you’re tempting burglars.
4. Be a good neighbour - keep an eye out for your neighbours and encourage them to do the same for you. A strong community makes it harder for criminals to be successful - so consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch, residents association or community group.

For further advice and information, you might like to take a look at the Home Office’s guide to Home Security.

Here at SEHBAC we take home security very seriously. All of our double glazed windows have the very latest security features including multi-point locking systems. Likewise all SEHBAC doors are fitted with the latest locking systems, and are designed to endure sustained attempts to gain entry. 

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows and / or doors, and would like to talk to someone about security options why not call us on 0800 666 444, drop in to one of our show centres or arrange a home visit. Our staff will be happy to talk through the options with you, and offer guidance in selecting the right solution for you.

Image credit Joel Bedford.

This morning, BBC Breakfast reported a new initiative by police in Northamptonshire.

In an attempt to cut the rising number of burglaries, the police there are patrolling the streets using a loud hailer to encourage people to keep their windows and doors locked.

It may seem a little extreme, however it’s an important message to get across. The need for adequate security - e.g. doors and window locks has been emphasised by the police in recent weeks. This is particularly pertinent as police in North Leeds and Dorset have reported a spate of ‘distraction burglaries’.

Distraction burglaries are when one or more individuals will engage the homeowner in some way (e.g. by trying to engage them in conversation - hence the distraction), whilst one or more others will try to gain access to the property (normally via an open window or unlocked door).

Once inside the burglars will take any items which are easy to carry - e.g. purses, wallets, handbags, car keys, jewellery and so on. Sadly the victims of these sort of crimes often don’t realise what has happened to them for several hours, therefore leaving the perpetrators with plenty of time of abscond.

For the most part burglars are opportunists, so the best way to avoid being targeted is to take reasonable steps to make sure your home is secured. It goes without saying that you should always keep your windows and doors locked when you leave your home, but it’s also worth being security conscious even when you are at home.

Take a look at our top ten security tips:

1. When you leave your property double check that it is properly secured.
2. Keep your backdoor locked at all times (unless you’re actually out enjoying your garden!)- particularly if it’s easy to access the rear of your property. You might think is fine to leave it unlocked when you’re home, but if you’re upstairs you might not hear someone sneaking in.
3. Don’t leave ground floor windows open if you’re not in the room - you’re making it too easy for someone to enter your property.
4. Never leave keys, wallets, purses, jewellery or other valuables near open windows - someone could simply reach in and help themselves.
5. Get to know your neighbours, and look out for each other.
6. Try not to advertise the fact that you’re going away on holiday - if at all possible have someone pop into your property now and again whilst your away to open and close curtains and make the place seem inhabited.
7. Beware of distraction burglar’s tactics - if you are suspicious of someone do not get engaged in conversation with them, politely but firmly make your excuses.
8. If the rear of your property is easily accessible via side gate (or similar) invest in a decent lock - and make sure it is secured at all times.
9. Invest in secure locks for your home e.g. deadlocks for external doors and locks for your windows and so on. 
10. Never leave spare keys under doormats / in flower pots etc - it’s the first place burglars will look.

You might also like to read the Home Office’s an excellent guide to Home Security for more hints and tips.

Here at SEHBAC we take home security very seriously. All of our double glazed windows benefit from the very latest in security features including multi-point locking systems with up to six locking points, and all SEHBAC doors are fitted with the latest multipoint locking systems, and are designed to endure sustained attempts to gain entry. 

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows and / or doors, and would like to talk to someone about security options why not call us on 0800 666 444, drop in to one of our show centres or arrange a home visit. Our staff will be happy to talk through the options with you, and offer guidance in selecting the right solution for you.

Image credit altemark

Historically, we’ve seen that during periods of recession, crime tends to increase. As such, in the current economic climate, many homeowners are understandably concerned about increased crime, and unhappily, the latest figures from the Home Office may bear these fears out.

This week, Glass Times (a glazing industry publication) reported that:

The Home Office figures for July-September 2008 showed an increase in reported domestic burglaries; and for the last four months of 2008, 31 police forces across England and Wales also reported a rise in burglaries - with 55,572 more cases of acquisitive crime taking place during those months, than for the same period on 2007. The last sustained rise in the burglary rate was back in the mid 1990s.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith warned of this in a leaked memo to Gordon Brown: “Our modelling indicates that an economic downturn would place significant pressure on acquisitive crime and therefore overall crime figures.”

So, what can homeowners do to ensure that their homes and possessions are adequately protected?

Well, whilst it might sound obvious - make sure your home is properly secured when you leave it. Make sure all windows and doors and closed and locked, as many burglars are opportunists - so if your home looks properly secured it may deter them.

Secondly, take precautions to secure any potential access point to your home. For example, if your property can be accessed via a rear or side gate, consider how this could be made more secure - e.g. invest in a sturdy padlock to secure it, or consider replacing the gate if it cannot be adequately secured currently.

Perhaps most importantly, invest in secure locks for your home - for example: 

1. Deadlocks for external doors
2. Secure locks to windows
3. Secure window shutters

Here at SEHBAC we take home security very seriously. As such, all of our double glazed windows benefit from the very latest in security features including multi-point locking systems with up to six locking points.

Likewise all SEHBAC doors are fitted with the latest multipoint locking systems, and are designed to endure sustained attempts to gain entry. 

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows and / or doors, and would like to talk to someone about security options why not call us on 0800 666 444, drop in to one of our show centres or arrange a home visit. Our staff will be happy to talk through the options with you, and offer guidance in selecting the right solution for you.

Image credit fotographix.ca