Winter-proofing your home goes deeper than insulation. Crime Statistics show that December and January are the peak times of year for burglaries, showing it is incredibly important to consider home security measures in winter. Plus, there were over 275,000 burglaries reported in the past year, a 4% increase on the year before. Read on Anthony Neary, managing director of our security retailer shares the five best winter security deterrents.
1. Outdoor lights
December is the darkest month of the year, but the dark nights usually last right up until March. In the UK, our darkest week is also a time when we fill our houses with new, expensive items – Christmas. Outdoor security lights are an effective way of deterring burglars, as most rely on being able to sneak into a house under cover of darkness. It is best to have an automatic light set up at the front and back, as thieves will be put off from trying to break in. We have an expansive range of security lights on our website, with motion detection, video capture and more. Browse today: Outdoor Security Lights
2. Video doorbells
Video doorbells have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and with good reason. Not only is it useful to be able to see who is ringing the bell from any location, but many also tell you if motion is detected, meaning a burglar can be caught before they strike. Take this further with CCTV which will cover all key areas of a property and leave no hiding spots for burglars. With fantastic image quality, it will be easy for the police to identify anyone should the worst happen. We have the latest in surveillance technology, including night vision and motion detection. Learn more: CCTV and Security Cameras
3. Alarms
It is worth investing in a good security alarm to protect a property, as this is the biggest deterrent to burglars. They will always look for the alarm box on the front of the house, making it much more likely for them to move on to the next house. For those who take their chance and continue to break in, the ringing of the burglar alarm will make them abandon their intent. Find the right burglar alarm for your home from our selection, with pet-friendly, Google and Alexa integrated options. View the range: Intruder and Burglar Alarms
4. Turn lights on with timers
Burglars typically work out whether someone is home or not by watching to see if lights are being turned on and off throughout the evening. They then target properties that are in darkness. If you’re going on a winter holiday or even visiting family, consider buying plugs with a timer as this will make it appear that someone is home. Another option is smart light bulbs, which can be controlled through a phone, and will throw any thieves off the scent. Opt for a solution like our Veho Cave Wireless Smart E27 LED Bulb, which can be scheduled to turn on at a specific time or turned on and off via an app. Find out more: Veho Cave Wireless Smart E27 LED Bulb
5. Keep items out of sight
It might seem simple, but nearly all burglary victims have left valuables unattended in plain sight. In the festive season especially, homes are full of presents. Make sure they can’t be seen, wrapped or unwrapped, through a window. A thief is much more likely to take the chance to steal tens of gifts when they know they can be gone in seconds. It’s also important that empty boxes are disposed of properly as this provides insight into expensive items that have just been bought and encourages burglars. Read more about how to protect your home in our blog: How to Deter Burglars: 5 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe
Now you know how to enhance your home security this winter, start preparing your house today. We have an extensive selection of products, from burglar alarms to video doorbells. Browse our home security options: Home Security Systems
