National Home Security Month October 2019

It’s that time of year again! ProSecure Locksmiths are delighted to announce that we’ve been asked back to take part and support the National Home Security Month (NHSM).

Over the next month there will be weekly posts that provide valuable info on hot topics regarding your home security.

#NHSM is hosted by Yale, one of the best known lock manufacturers in the industry and supported by a multitude of massive high street brands. ProSecure Locksmiths are very proud to be involved in such projects with these industry heavyweights, very humbling for a small independent locksmith company.

This week we are shedding light on some common misconceptions regarding home security issues.

• Did you know recent statics suggest that most burglaries actually happen during daylight hours. You instantly imagine a burglar to be creeping around in the cover of darkness but burglars know they draw far less attention during the daytime.
• A recent report from convicted burglars implied that a whopping 47% of burglaries are unplanned and “spur of the moment” acts. Don’t be a victim to an opportunist crime, keep all doors and widows locked even if popping out very briefly.
• In this modern technological era, criminals aren’t necessarily after household goods like TV’s and Hifi systems, these items are usually too cumbersome and time consuming to steal. Burglars may actually be after car keys as it’s a very high value item or worse still, bank cards and passports so they can sell on your personal information. Obviously cash and jewellery are also very sought after as can be snatched and stolen within seconds.
• As a very large percentage of burglaries are opportunistic and criminals and getting wiser these days, they don’t usually go equipped. Often opting to use what they find laying around to force entry. Be aware, keep all loose tools and ladders locked away in a garage or shed.

• Lock all doors and windows when leaving the property, even if it’s only for a short period. Almost 30% of all burglars enter the property through an unlocked door or window
• Keep all gardening equipment, tools & ladders locked away in a garage or shed. Don’t let potential burglars use your own tools against you
• Ensure all outside perimeter gates are lockable preventing easy access
• Make sure all fences surrounding your property are in good strong condition
• Trim back all overgrown hedges, bushes and shrubbery. Try not to leave secluded areas that are out of view
• Having a gravel driveway surrounding the home can be an issue for potential burglars, in the dead of the night it will create a fair amount of noise when approaching the property
• Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property when away on holiday
• Timed light switches are a cheap but effective way of making your home look occupied while on holiday
• If on holiday for a long period, mow the lawn, stop any newspaper or milk deliveries until you return
• Don’t leave keys on display by the front door that can be seen through the letterbox, they can be lifted out with long, thin flexible rods. The term is called fishing
• Install a dummy alarm box, a cheap alternative but can still be an efficient visual deterrent
• Maybe think about becoming part of the Neighbourhood watch