Smart Tips for Keeping Your Wakefield Home Safe During Summer Getaways

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy sunshine, barbecues, and outdoor adventures. But while you’re soaking up the season, it’s important to keep your home secure - burglars are often on the lookout for opportunities when homeowners are away.

With over 500 burglaries reported every day in the UK, taking simple security precautions can make a big difference. Here are some easy, expert tips to help keep your home safe this summer.

With the warm weather, it’s tempting to leave doors and windows open for fresh air while you relax in the garden or enjoy time with family. However, this also makes it easier for opportunistic burglars to slip in unnoticed.

Even if you’re at home, make sure to lock doors and windows when you’re not in the room. It only takes a minute for someone to sneak in and grab valuables. Shockingly, over half of home burglaries happen while someone is at home!

It’s natural to want cool air on a warm summer night, but open windows can be an invitation to intruders. If you want to leave windows cracked for ventilation, consider installing window restrictors. These devices allow you to keep windows slightly open without making them wide enough for someone to climb in.

Remember, 65% of burglaries occur during the evening or nighttime hours (6pm to 6am), according to the ONS (Office of National Statistics).

Never leave valuable items like keys, wallets, or phones within easy reach of an open window or door. Burglars may also use things like cat flaps or letterboxes to access items that are close to the entryway, so keep these areas clear.

Consider installing a home alarm system, CCTV cameras, or a video doorbell to boost your security. Even if you’re just popping out for a short while, using these systems can help keep your property safe.

Homes with a security system are 300% less likely to be burgled, and these measures also act as a strong visual deterrent.

Keeping your garden tidy isn’t just for appearances—it’s a great way to reduce potential hiding spots for burglars. Trim overgrown bushes, trees, and hedges, and regularly mow your lawn to make it harder for someone to approach your home undetected.

Consider adding outdoor lighting around your property. Motion-activated lights can discourage intruders and also make it easier for you to spot any unwanted visitors.

After enjoying time in the garden, don’t forget to store your tools, ladders, and equipment securely. Items left out in the open, like barbecues or gardening tools, can not only attract thieves but also provide them with the means to break into your home.

Use a secure shed or garage and lock up your belongings with chains and padlocks that have been tested and approved by certification agencies like Sold Secure.

If you’re heading off for a holiday or just leaving for the day, avoid making it obvious that no one is home. Timer lights or a fake TV can create the appearance that your house is occupied.

Place these devices in rooms that aren’t visible from outside to avoid giving away the trick. An upstairs room or a room with curtains drawn is an ideal spot for these devices.

It’s tempting to share your summer adventures on social media, but be cautious about who can see your posts. Burglars often use social platforms to find out when homes are empty.

Instead of posting in real-time, consider sharing your photos after you return home. And be wary of accepting friend requests from people you don’t know personally—strangers could use these connections to learn more about you and your home.

Need Expert Advice?

If you’re unsure about your home security, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. An OFQUAL-trained locksmith can provide expert advice and even conduct a full security assessment of your home—many offer this service free of charge.

For peace of mind, always use a vetted and insured locksmith to ensure your security upgrades are done properly and effectively.

Enjoy your summer, but keep your home safe with these simple precautions. Following these steps can help you relax knowing your property is secure, even when you're not there!