Security tips to keep your home safe in winter

It’s estimated that burglaries occur between 25-40% more frequently in winter than in any other season, which is a worrying thought as winter draws in. However, there are steps you can take to protect your home better, and now is the ideal time to do so.

Exterior and general security

When unoccupied, ensure that all doors and windows, including those on upper floors and any sliding glass doors, are always locked. Also, double-check that any outbuildings, such as garages and sheds, are locked, and store any tools, ladders and burglary aids in these secure locations.

To deter intruders, you can also install motion-sensor lights and it’s worth maintaining your garden to remove any obvious hiding spots.

If you have a spare key, don’t hide it outside. Keep it in a secure lockbox or give a spare to a trusted neighbour instead of leaving it outside.

Make your home look occupied

When you’re away, there are things you can do to make your home look occupied so that it deters potential thieves.

Social media has become a convenient tool for burglars to identify potential targets. Posting about your holiday while you're away advertises to them that your house has been left unoccupied, so avoid posting until you return home.

There are also a few simple favours you could ask your neighbours for (and that you could easily return later). If you're travelling by car and have a driveway, you could ask your neighbour to park their car there. Additionally, asking them to keep an eye on your mail and to make sure no packages are left outside your home whilst you are away will go a long way to ensuring your home looks occupied.

You can also install timers for lights and radios to make it appear as though you’re home at set times of the day.

Interior and valuables security

Store your valuables in a safe to ensure that, in the event of a security breach, they're less likely to be taken.

You can also engrave some of your valuables if you desire to make them more easily identifiable in case they get stolen.

CCTV and burglar alarms

It’s also important to invest in a burglar alarm system to deter intruders and alert you to break-ins. Most systems also include an 'Arm Stay' function that enables you to arm the downstairs of your home while you're asleep upstairs. Finally, as part of your overall home security, it is also worth considering investing in CCTV cameras to help you monitor your property when you're away.

At ATL Alarms, we design, install and service burglar alarms and CCTV systems in Cambridge, Newmarket and surrounding areas. To request a no-obligation quotation, call us on 01353 722882 or complete our enquiry form.