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.

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