With the dark evenings here, and as we approach the winter season, everyone hopes they won’t become the victim of a burglary. Unfortunately, home break-ins can and do happen. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to protect your home, deter intruders and prevent your home from becoming a target.
You may be wondering what is the best way to protect your home, so the team at Roger Bates Properties (powered by Keller Williams ‘The World’s Largest Estate Agent’) want to share some common home security questions. We also have some statistics to help you understand potential risks. This means you can take steps to ensure greater protection for you, your family, and your property in Basildon.
Q: When do most burglaries take place?
A: The majority of home burglaries occur during the day
A fact that surprises many homeowners is that burglaries tend to occur during the middle of the day, not at night. There’s a common misconception that burglars only come out during darkness when people are asleep, but this isn’t the case. A significant number of home break-ins take place during the day between 10am and 3pm since most people are at work, leaving their homes empty.
What is the best way to protect your home during the daytime?
Secure your doors and windows: Even if you’re away for just a few minutes, lock all doors and windows.
Install a security system: Home security systems can deter potential burglars and alert you if someone attempts to enter your house. Some systems have remote monitoring capabilities, so you can check on your property from anywhere.
Establish a relationship with your neighbours: Close-knit neighbours can look out for each other. If you’re away from home, they can report any suspicious activity.
Install security cameras: Visible security cameras can deter would-be burglars. Some allow real-time surveillance through your smartphone.
Q: Is it safe to leave a spare key outside my property ?
A: No! Yet over a fifth of people leave spare keys “hidden” outside their home!
A surprising 21% of people still leave spare keys to their home in a “safe place” outside the property. While this may be convenient, it’s also an easy way of inviting criminals into your home.
- 7% hide their key somewhere in their garden.
- 6% put their key in their shed or garage.
- 6% put their key underneath the door mat.
- 2% of people leave their spare key underneath a plant pot.
None of these ‘hiding’ places are very imaginative – and could prove to be a security risk.
Tip: Consider installing a coded key box to safely leave your key. It’s one of the easy ways to protect your home.
Q: Are burglaries usually planned?
A: No! Almost half of home burglaries are opportunistic
Many people worry that their home was specifically targeted if they become the victim of a burglary. In fact, almost 50% of break-ins take place opportunistically, with no planning involved at all. For this reason, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure your home’s security.
Privacy is key: Don’t leave valuable items in plain view from the outside. Use curtains or blinds to prevent burglars from window-shopping.
Q: Do burglars avoid breaking into homes that are occupied?
A: In a third of break-ins, somebody is at home
An especially upsetting statistic is that in almost 30% of cases, somebody is inside the property at the time of the burglary. Criminals today are more fearless than ever, and if they’re determined to break into your home, not even your presence will deter them.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure your doors are locked, and windows are closed if you are in the garden, and to turn on the security alarm before going to bed. Security cameras, alarm systems and RING doorbells are very useful installations if you’re concerned about people lurking outside your property.
Remember, the key to home security is using multiple ways to protect your home. The more deterrents you put in place, the safer your property in Basildon will be.
What Next?
Thinking of moving? Would you like a FREE Property Valuation in Basildon?
Roger Bates Properties (partnered with Keller Williams ‘The World’s Largest Estate Agent’) are your local property experts for the Basildon area. Call us on 07494 803917 or email [email protected] to find out how we can help you.
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