As the temperature drops and the clocks go back, residents in Greater Manchester brace themselves for a gruelling few months as burglaries increase by a third in the coming months. For our Salford and Manchester readers looking for peace of mind, read on for our guide to keep your home safe in winter.
Official figures have revealed that you’re most likely to be a victim of burglary if you live in this area, with 12 crimes for every 1000 people recorded in 2017 compared to eight per 1000 people across England and Wales as a whole. And as autumn and winter fast approaches, health conscious individuals in Manchester are increasingly concerned about leaving their homes empty whilst working out at their local leisure centre, particularly those who prefer evening workouts. Night time burglars are known as “creepers” and are most likely to strike at this time of year due to the lack of daylight hours.
The last months of 2018 also provide opportunist burglars with the chance to exploit two of the biggest celebrations; surprising statistics from Everest research showed that Halloween and Bonfire Night are statistically the worst days of the year for burglaries.
And then there is Christmas. A time when our homes are filled with expensive gifts for our loved ones. When all our worries are forgotten. When we are too merry to remember to lock up….one of the most popular times of year for theft and burglary.
With all of this in mind, how can residents of Greater Manchester make their homes safer as the temperature drops? Here’s our tips to keep burglars at bay:
Security System – Investing in a home security system will help you protect your valuables and loved ones. Not only will an alarm scare off a potential intruder, it will also notify local authorities if someone does attempt to break-in. Do you have an evening workout planned and won’t be home for a while? Some modern security systems now allow you to remotely monitor what’s happening in your home whilst you’re out. You can control the lights to make it appear as if someone is home, and keep an eye out on your valuables through strategically placed cameras.
CCTV – According to Everest, 67% of UK burglars avoid properties with a CCTV system, making this a fantastic deterrent to invest in. And in the unfortunate case that your house is broken into, CCTV footage can be used to prosecute an offender.
Lock Your Windows and Doors – Around 30% of all burglaries happen because of an open or unlocked window or door, so it is vital that you double check all entry points are closed, locked, and alarmed, even when you’re at home. If you have any damaged or old locks, Locksmiths in your area can quickly install a new one for you.
Have you checked out our services? Lucid Outdoor are looking to work with a home security provider in the North West.