23/10/2025
As the clocks go back and darker mornings and nights commence, keeping your house safe from burglars is a must-have.
If you have any concerns or would like a free home security assessment call Safer 07939 992244.
We’re not saying that burglars are lurking around every corner waiting to pounce, but darker nights bring a probability of burglaries, as once it hits around 5pm, darkness has invariably seized the day. With many people still out and about whether it be at work, school or shopping, your house is an immediate target.
According to experts, thefts which are opportunistic or involve deception tend to happen during the summer months but during the winter, burglars are more likely to physically break in, here is how to keep your home secure!
Here are 10 (obvious) tips to keep your home secure!
1. Ensure your door and window locks are the correct standard (especially UPVC/Composite door locks) and locked at all times
2. Ensure sheds and garages are secure
3. Leave a light on when you are out; both inside and out
4. Install exterior security lights at the front and back of your property
5. Do not leave car keys or house keys in view through a window or reach through letterbox
6. Do not leave valuables in sight
7. Set your burglar alarm and check it is working regularly
8. Invest in a CCTV system if possible
9. Ensure all garden tools and ladders are locked away
10. Do not post on social media when you’re out
Take a look at some of the most important factors to consider when securing your home:
Pets
We can’t compare having a house alarm to a house pet. But what a house pet immediately brings to the safety of your home is an awareness of an intruder. If you do have a pet, whether it is a dog or cat; don’t advertise that you own one in the window of your car or house as burglars will attempt to break in regardless as they will assume you haven’t put your house alarm on with them in the house.
Windows
A pretty obvious precaution to take, but you would be amazed how many people forget to close the bathroom window, or the window above a conservatory (you think cannot be reached). Do not leave any valuables near a window and in view of a potential burglar.
Doors
So windows and doors have very much the same protocol – don’t leave keys in direct view. Do not label them with your address or which room they open and if possible separate your car and house keys, so there is little risk of two. When locking up the house, make sure all rooms are locked, including conservatory doors as it counts as another door of the house and if unlocked, you may not be insured.
Your garden
If you have a gate or door which leads to your back garden, always ensure this is firm shut and locked when not in use. You would be surprised by what burglars use to break into a home; garden tools are one of them! Do not leave them lying around, including a ladder, which can be used to access upper windows.