Security tips to see you through summer safely

Now the weather is brightening up and the sun is shining, it is all too tempting to become complacent when it comes to our home security.

The most common cases of opportunist summer burglary involve offenders that:

• Enter an insecure front door while residents are in the back garden.
• Enter doors that are closed but unlocked at night while residents are asleep.
• Reach through windows to take valuable items.

In around 25 percent of break-ins that take place in the spring and summer months, entry is gained through insecure windows and doors, especially at the rear of the property.

• Ensure that windows and doors are closed and locked when you are out. Don’t leave small windows open believing them to be safe.
• If you want to leave windows open while you sleep, fit window restrictors so they cannot be fully opened, or make sure they are not large enough to allow access to a burglar.
• When out in your garden, ensure that windows and doors to the front of the house are secure. It only takes a second for someone to get into your home and take things without you noticing.
• Do not leave valuables on display in front of windows or in reach of open windows or doors.
• Ensure that all barbecue and garden equipment and tools are securely locked up in a shed and out of sight. Tools can be used by the potential offender to break in to your home.
• Consider fitting outside security lighting, a visible alarm or CCTV to help deter burglars. Even using pea shingle or gravel on a driveway and spiky plants in garden beds can help.
• Don’t leave any keys near entry points where they can be ‘fished’ or ‘hooked’ out through the window, letter box or cat flap.
• Ensure any internal handle operated locks on UPVC doors are fully secured with a key.

Sheds - easy pickings?

Offenders see sheds as easy pickings because they are unprotected and lack basic security measures. The buildings often contain property that can be sold on or implements that can be used to force entry into the owner’s home.

Many sheds, while being of good construction, fall short on basic security.

It is easy to unscrew the ironmongery, steal contents and in some cases replace the screws to make it look as if the shed has not been tampered with. By using tamper proof screws or coach bolts together with a good quality pad bar or hasp and staple and close shackled padlock, the shed owner will make it harder for the would-be thief.

It is also a good idea to bond any window glass in with mastic to prevent easy removal.

Ensure all tools and equipment are locked away when not in use.

High-quality locks should be used on doors. Windows can be fitted with a grille or, as a cheaper alternative, chicken wire, to slow down a thief.

A shed alarm can also be installed.

Post-code or indelibly mark all property such as lawnmowers, bikes, and tools using ultra-violet pens, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA or Smartwater or engravers.

Install security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points.

If building a shed, put it where it is most visible to you and neighbours.

Going on holiday?

• Make your home look occupied.
• If you're out or going away, ask a trusted neighbour to open and close your curtains for you.
• Ask a neighbour if they don’t mind ad hoc parking on your driveway.
• Cut the front and back lawns before you go away and trim any plants that burglars could hide behind.
• Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries.
• Before your holiday, don’t advertise that you are going away on Facebook, Twitter etc.
• Register for the Royal Mail 'Keepsafe' service.
• Leave important documents and valuable personal items with other family members, in a bank or invest in suitable safe which is bolted down.
• Double-check that you've locked all outside windows and doors.
• Set your burglar alarm.