With nights getting darker, expensive gifts laying under the Christmas tree and many travelling to see loved ones, December sees a national spike in home break-ins.
According to statistics reported by security company ADT in 2022, from October to December 2021, there were approximately 17,580 criminal incidents primarily related to robberies.
The rate of theft increased by 13% since the last quarter of 2020, and crime rates also more than doubled since then – with 400,761 theft offences recorded by police forces across England and Wales in just the last quarter of 2021.
Former burglar and home security expert Michael Fraser has shared the most common home security errors homeowners make, along with overlooked tips to ensure a home is secured.
400,761 theft offences were recorded by police forces across England and Wales in just the last quarter of 2021 (Photo: Getty)
Former burglar and home security expert Michael Fraser, who was previously featured on BBC’s Beat The Burglar, has shared the most common home security errors homeowners make
Locks
Speaking to Metro, Fraser explained how cylinder locks on doors can appeal more to burglars as they don’t hold very well, which can make your home an easy target.
The home security expert advises home-owners to purchase a deadlock to secure doors and windows as they are ‘much stronger, more robust, and will make burglars less confident’ in planning to break in.
Alarms
Most burglars are able to enter a property within three minutes, according to Fraser, and when passing by a visibly empty home, it can be simple enough for them to access it without being noticed.
Installing a working alarm split between upstairs and downstairs areas can prevent or deter home invaders from breaking in.
Some thieves will attempt to break in at night time – even when the homeowner is in – but are likely to avoid ending up in a confrontation. Putting an alarm on downstairs will instantly notify of any suspicious activity.
Fraser said: ‘Of the 43% of households that have a security alarm installed, a staggering 18% don’t turn it on when they leave the home, either because it doesn’t work or they don’t know how to use it.
‘Some find pets and children setting it off a nuisance, or decide to turn it on when they go on holiday. Setting an overnight alarm – with the alarm box wiped clean to show it’s being used – can reduced the likelihood of being burgled whilst away.’
Spare keys
Another thing many homeowners are guilty of doing (around a third, according to Toolstation) is leaving a spare key in a ‘safe place’ near a front door.
Leaving a key outside the home can be easily found by opportunists, says Fraser.
He added: ‘Burglars ware clued up on all of the most common hiding spots and look for hints within the area – such as fresh soil in a certain spot compared to the rest of the surrounding grass or mud, or a pot that has been slightly moved from its ring mark.’
To avoid running the risk of a break-in, Fraser advises to leave sets of spare keys with a trusted person instead.
To avoid running the risk of a break-in, Fraser advises to leave sets of spare keys with a trusted person instead of a ‘safe place’ outside of the home (Photo: Getty)
The back entrance to the home
Michael says: ‘Many people may often only consider what the front of the home looks like to potential burglars, while focusing less about the back entrance.
‘Over Christmas, your decorated tree harbouring a slew of wrapped gifts could be especially attractive to opportunistic thieves.’
Fraser advises to ensure windows and doors at the rear of the property are concealed, with valuable items placed away from the line of vision.
Calenders
Additionally, it may be wise to keep your family calendar away from the eyes of potential burglars.
If a physical calender is visible from the window, thieves may utilise it to figure out what times and dates the home is to be left unattended.
Fraser recommends closing the calendar when leaving, or moving it out of sight entirely.
Personal documents
Burglars may not just be in search or valuable and physical items – they may be looking to steal your identity.
Fraser says: ‘The first thing burglars may do is peek into a person’s wheelie bin, as they may be able to find documents with a homeowner’s name on it – thus being able to claim their identity.’
He advises to ensure all unwanted letters and documents are shredded or cut up before being thrown away.
‘Beware of the dog’ signage
Many would think that ‘beware of the dog’ sign would deter a thief from entering a property, however this provides more reason for burglars to attempt a break in.
However, when burglars see this sign, they will immediately begin looking for a pet flap – a weakened point of entry.
When burglars see a ‘beware of the dog’ sign, they will immediately begin looking for a pet flap – a weakened point of entry (Photo: Getty)
Social media
It is advised by Fraser not to advertise when you’re planning on going away, whether it’s in person to people you don’t know or to your wider online network.
He adds: ‘If planning to travel an airport or station by taxi, order it to arrive further down the road and don’t provide any information on where you are travelling to.
‘With such a strong social media presence today, it is extremely easy for burglars to trace and find out an individual’s location, so refrain from posting any holiday snaps until you’re back from your trip.’
Parcels and home deliveries
With Christmas steadily approaching and panic-buying presents for loved ones increase in the run up to the big day, Fraser urgers homeowners to be careful of what burglars can spot outside homes.
He says: ‘Many burglars are constantly trying to identify weak and mistakes households make – such as leaving new TV packaging by the outside bins or a parcel being left outside the front door.’
Fraser urgers homeowners to be careful of what burglars can spot outside homes in the run up to Christmas, including leaving new TV packaging and parcels outside (Photo: Getty)
Smart security
Michael warns: ‘Smart security tools are among the best methods to keep burglars at bay, especially if you’ve previously had a break-in, as this makes you extra vulnerable to it happening again.
‘Upgrading with gadgets that show potential thieves you’re watching and allow you to respond in real time to suspicious activity may give you peace of mind.’
Burglars are likely to be deterred from entering the home as they know the property is guarded by smart security systems, such as an Amazon Ring doorbell.
The software not only keeps the home secure, but also advertises the fact that you are well set up.
In 2022, a family’s Christmas took a heartbreaking twist with all of their presents stolen on Boxing Day.
Melbourne mum Ashleigh Newman and her two young sons returned to their home at Frankston, in Melbourne, on Monday to find it ransacked of all their gifts, as well as other items.