Safety warning to UK households as burglaries spike throughout the UK | UK | News | EUROtoday

Almost one in three householders have been the victims of theft from their residence, in accordance with Co-op Insurance.

The member-owned finance group additionally revealed that one in eight folks it surveyed felt their residence was much less safe through the winter months.

Vehicle keys and private paperwork are the objects Brits would most wish to shield from theft and to this point in 2024, the supplier has seen claims as excessive as £85,000.

With many households storing high-value presents one firm has revealed the seven wallet-friendly suggestions that may assist make your property safer this Christmas.

Jon Saeed, managing director of Lighting Legends mentioned: “Home and garden security doesn’t have to break the bank. Simple measures like upgrading locks, installing motion-activated lights, and using natural barriers such as thorny plants can significantly enhance your property’s safety.

He added small adjustments, like ensuring doors, gates and sheds are properly locked and secured, can make a big difference.

“Effective security is about making your home a less attractive target through practical, affordable means.”

Graham Ward-Lush, head of home at Co-op Insurance, said: “During the winter months, many people see their home as a sanctuary that allows them to escape the dark and cold weather.

“However, our research suggests that a significant number of Brits don’t feel as secure in their homes when the dark evenings set in, but that most people would feel less anxious with extra security features.

“Whether it’s leaving lights on a timer, installing a security camera or simply making sure your windows and doors are locked, we’re encouraging homeowners to take extra steps to ensure that their possessions are kept safe, and homes remain secure this winter.”

Seven methods to make your house and backyard safer this Christmas

Check your fencing

A sturdy fence round your property can deter intruders. A tall, strong fence made from sturdy and sturdy supplies like wooden, steel, or vinyl can supplies each privateness and a bodily barrier. Adding a lattice or spikes on the prime of the fence can additional deter climbing.

Use thorny crops

Planting thorny or spiky crops like roses and hawthorn alongside the perimeter of your backyard creates a pure barrier. These crops are troublesome and painful to get by means of, discouraging potential intruders. Dense, bushy crops may also function efficient boundaries, for instance holly and pyracantha (firethorn).

Secure gates

Ensure your backyard gates are sturdy and correctly put in. Wooden, steel, or strengthened plastic gates can present good safety. It’s additionally very important to make use of high-quality locks on any exterior gates. Padlocks, mixture locks, or keyed locks can improve safety, and make sure the lock is proof against reducing and tampering.

Install cameras:

Modern residence safety cameras are inexpensive and straightforward to put in, offering 24/7 monitoring of your property. Choose cameras with night time imaginative and prescient and movement detection capabilities for added safety within the lengthy, winter evenings. Visible cameras act as a deterrent, whereas hidden ones can assist acquire proof in case of a break in.

Go for backyard lights

Install motion-activated safety lights across the backyard, particularly close to entry factors like gates, doorways, and pathways. Waterproof lights are nice if you wish to use all of them yr spherical and solar-powered spotlights are significantly helpful.

Tool storage

Keep your backyard instruments and tools in a locked shed. Tools can be utilized by intruders to interrupt into your house, so securing them reduces this threat.

Mark your property

Use kits to mark worthwhile objects like backyard furnishings, instruments, and ornaments with a singular identifier. This is usually a UV pen, etching software, or microdot expertise. Keep a log of marked objects, together with images and descriptions if vital.