Keep your property safe as dark nights set in

October is National Homes Security Month, and as a result, estate agents Harrison Murray have given a seasonal reminder on keeping homes safe.

Despite Britain enjoying an Indian summer, the clocks go back in a little under three weeks. With this in mind, it is important to make sure homes are sufficiently protected before the dark nights draw in.

Security

‘As we move further into autumn and winter, the days and nights are obviously getting darker, but we aren’t suggesting that people live in fear,’ said Su Snaith, Head of Estate Agency for Harrison Murray, part of The Nottingham Building Society.

‘It is simply about adopting a practical, common sense approach in assessing safety measures in your existing or new home, which can sometimes be targets for opportunistic thieves,’ Snaith added.[1]

Keep your property safe as dark nights loom

Tips

Harrison Murray’s top-ten tips for keeping property safe are:

Have sufficient lighting-homeowners should consider installing motion-sensitive lighting materials above doors, porches, garage doors and all entrances to gardens. In addition, timers should be fitted to all indoor lights when out for the evening or prolonged period.

Fit and use an alarm

Bolt or padlock all gates

Lock all windows-People should make sure that this includes both up and downstairs windows, particularly those that can be easily accessed.

Keep valuables well away from letterboxes-With vehicle theft becoming more common, thieves often look to obtain car keys through letterboxes. Property owners are advised to keep them well away from this access point.

Mark all personal items with a U.V pen

Do not obscure the front of homes with trees or hedges

Be savvy online-With people seemingly putting everything about their social lives on Facebook and Twitter, thieves are more commonly using these means of resource to target potential victims. Never reveal that a property is to be empty be posting online.