During The Summer, Break-Ins Increase: Security Measures To Protect Your Property

Summer should be a time where we enjoy ourselves and get outdoors to make the most of the beautiful weather. However, many people are left devastated after returning home to find that the open window they left to allow fresh air in, actually served as an easy point of entry for an intruder.

But there are things you can do to ramp up the security of your home or business and these simple measures can have incredible effectiveness. What’s more, with BAC Fire and Security with you at every step of the way, you won’t need to worry about a thing.

UK Break In Statistics

The number of break-ins in the UK is astonishing and yet not all home or business owners make enough of an effort to prevent these crimes. But this isn’t out of anything other than a lack of understanding about how prevalent this crime is.

For example, when you consider that a burglary happens every 108 seconds in the UK, it is easy to see just how seriously we should be taking this. Going on that thinking, that equates to well over 800 break-ins every day! If you think that it won’t ever happen to you, these statistics suggest that it is far more likely than you might have first thought.

What’s more, most people believe that burglars break-in in the dead of night, sneaking around while the rest of the world sleeps. But this image is one that has been fed by movies and TV series. In reality, your home or business is more likely to experience a break in between midday and 4 pm – right there in broad daylight!

But what is most astonishing, and quite frankly, frightening, is that for more than half of all break-ins, there is somebody currently inside the property. Now in some cases, this may deter the intruder but for those with a little more confidence, the crime could soon escalate to an assault. And this simple isn’t worth it!

Why Do Break-Ins Increase During Summer?

You could be forgiven for thinking that a break-in wouldn’t be as likely in the summer since the daylight hours are far longer. But as we have already learned, this is not something that deters burglars.

The problem is that, in the summer, when the weather is warm, people leave their doors and windows open to allow fresh air to enter. Of course, in an ideal world, this wouldn’t be an issue and you’d feel completely safe. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case and these open doors and windows are almost a welcome mat for intruders.

Open windows in the summer can be tempting to a burglar

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Imagine returning to your home or business to find that your most valued and prized possessions have been taken and the place has been ransacked. This is something that many people sadly experience when in reality, it could have been prevented.

While it may feel like ‘just something else to do’, it has never been more important to put preventative measures in place to protect your property. Yes, there is a cost associated with this and it will consume some of your time but this is far more preferable to having to go through the trauma and loss that millions of people suffer every year due to the selfishness and malice of an intruder.

Measures That Can Be Taken To Mitigate/Prevent Break-Ins:

It may all seem pretty grim and when we talk so frankly about the risks associated with not protecting your property, it is easy to feel vulnerable, scared and downright depressed. However, by installing some simple measures, you can boost the security of your property and deter potential intruders before they even set foot through the door.

Install CCTV

According to an article published by The Guardian, people who had previously burgled properties had reported that barking dogs and CCTV cameras were one of the biggest deterrents when deciding on a property to target. The report goes on to detail that these former criminals had discussed how most burglars will take an opportunity when they see it and won’t make attempts when entry to a property is too difficult.

Having CCTV in place is an excellent way to put a potential intruder off. They aren’t going to want to risk being caught in the act and facing a prosecution. Some people will install dummy CCTV cameras and while these do work as a deterrent, in the event that a burglar did try their luck, they wouldn’t catch any evidence. We would always recommend installing a fully functional CCTV system to ensure that if anything does arise, the suspect will be more likely to be caught and justice served.

Intruder Alarms

Having an alarm is another great way to deter an intruder because there aren’t many people who would want to remain inside a property where they aren’t supposed to be when so much attention is being drawn to it.

Modern alarm systems are very effective and many connect to smartphone apps that will alert you if the alarm has been triggered. So on top of providing a deterrent, you will be in the loop wherever you are in the world and can respond to the threat accordingly.

Video Doorbells

It is not unheard of for an intruder to try the doorbell before making an attempt to enter the property. There is a range of good video doorbells on the market today with brands like Ring being among the most well-respected.

The advantage of having this type of system is clear; you will be able to see who is standing at your door and monitor their behaviour. Quite often, these systems allow for two-way communication so you can converse with the person without having to open the door.

If you feel like your visitor poses any sort of risk, you can contact the emergency services and lock all the doors and windows. If you go on to let the person know that there is someone in the house and that help is on the way, it is extremely likely that they will leave.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel Driveways can deter burglars
Gravel Driveways can deter burglars

One of the best ways of preventing a break-in from occurring is to be aware of it before it happens. Unfortunately, many people aren’t awarded this luxury and are often caught by surprise when someone enters their home unwelcomed.

By having a gravel driveway, you may be alerted to the presence of an intruder before they make it to an open door or window due to the loud noise their footsteps will make. This will allow you to secure the property and, if needs be, contact emergency services for help.

Moreover, if a burglar sees that there is a gravel driveway, this may also act as a deterrent as they will be well aware that their presence might not go unnoticed.

Gates On Each Entryway

Some homes have a single point of entry onto the property such as a drive or a pathway. However, other homes have various entrances both at the front and the rear. Leaving just one of these open is an open invitation for anyone to wander in.

However, placing a gate at each entryway will serve as an additional deterrent to potential burglars. The risk of being spotted while trying to climb over a gate, especially a high one, will be off-putting to a lot of people. While installing gates may be an additional financial commitment, in the long run, it is a worthwhile investment for the safety of you and your property. What’s more, there are many very attractive gates that will add to the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Keycode Entry Systems

Putting locks on the doors and windows is important but if you really want to ramp up the security level then using a keycode entry system will ensure that only authorised persons will be able to enter the property.

While intruders may try to override these systems, many of them feature a lockout which comes into play when so many failed attempts are made to get in. What’s more, they also benefit from things like a quick lock for when there is a security threat.

If you have a large commercial property where there are a lot of people who need access, you also have the option to set multiple key codes.

Good Outdoor Lighting With Motion Sensors

If an intruder suddenly finds him or herself flooded in light, the last thing they are going to want to do is to hang around. For this reason, having effective lighting systems outside that are motion-activated can pose a very useful security feature.

It is important to have the motion sensors in areas where intruders are likely to try to hide such as back entrances, side alleyways and other covered areas that aren’t easily visible to passers-by.

Set Indoor Lighting On A Timer

If you are going to be away from your property for a prolonged period of time, it is never a good idea to leave it in complete darkness. While a lot of break-ins happen when someone is in the property, this is largely accidental and if an intruder believes that someone is home, they are not likely to take the chance of getting caught.

Smart lights and apps on your iPhone or tablet are an easy way to control the lighting when you aren’t at home. There is the option to leave lights on a timer and this is perfect if you are only going to be away for a night or two. However, since many burglars will scope out properties in the lead up to breaking in, timed lights can become obvious pretty quickly.

In the case that you will be away for longer, it is a good idea to use your smartphone app to turn the lights on and off at slightly different times so that it appears more authentic.

Never Leave Doors And Windows Open When Not At Home

Your parents and grandparents have likely told you plenty of stories about how, back in the old days, you could go out and leave the door unlocked without any fear. Sadly, this just isn’t the case anymore. Even if you live in a built-up area where you believe someone would interfere if they saw a break-in, an opportunist could check the handle, get in and nobody would be any the wiser.

Anytime that you intend to leave the property unattended, you should make a conscious effort to check that all doors and windows are locked and fully secure.

Do Not Allow Post To Build Up

Letters left on the doormat are a sign that you are not home
Letters left on the doormat are a sign that you are not home

One of the biggest giveaways that a property is empty is that there is a build-up of post. This instantly tells a burglar that nobody is home and this provides them with an opportunity to get in and out without being noticed.

If you plan to be away for a long time, we would always recommend asking a friend or family member to check in every couple of days and remove any post.

Secure Doors And Windows With High Quality Locks

Some locks are far too easy to break and pose no challenge to an experienced burglar. While you may need to invest a little more in a high-quality lock, the benefits far outweigh the additional cost.

Furthermore, with these high-quality locks on all doors and windows, you can leave your property without the worry of what you might find when you return.

Think About Rear Access To The Property

Some properties have incredibly easy access to the rear and in many cases, an intruder will be able to slip in unnoticed, especially if the property backs onto unoccupied land.

In order to prevent unwanted entries from the rear, you must ensure that you fully secure potential points of entry. If fences, gates and other entrances are more difficult to get through, this will primarily serve as a deterrent.

What’s more, you should go one step further and ensure that your back door is fitted with motion sensor flood lights as well as a security camera. The mere presence of a camera, as we have learned, is a deterrent but if an intruder is suddenly illuminated by a floodlight, they are very unlikely to continue in their attempts.

Keep Your Trees And Shrubs Trimmed

Many of us enjoy a mature garden with lots of beautiful trees and plants. However, these can sadly provide intruders with a place to hide out while they wait for their opportunity to strike. For this reason, you should make sure that your trees and shrubs are always well-maintained and trimmed back, limiting the number of places someone can hide.

What’s more, you should check that there aren’t any other obvious hiding places. Keeping outbuildings locked is a good idea since intruders may use them to remain concealed.

What Can BAC Fire And Security Offer?

BAC Fire and Security has more than 40 years of knowledge and experience in the security industry at its helm so we feel confident that we know what we are doing. As such, we have been able to create a range of security solutions that will protect your home and give you much greater peace of mind.

Installation Of New Intruder Alarms

At BAC Fire and Security, we have a design and installation team that can create a viable solution to your security problems. We offer a bespoke service so that you can have an alarm system that perfectly meets your needs.

We will do everything from beginning to end including designing the alarm system and fitting it. Our engineers are fully trained and qualified to ensure that the alarms are in full working order before they leave your premises.

Alarm Monitoring

We know that monitoring your own alarm system can be nothing short of pain and this is why we offer an alarm monitoring service that allows you to worry about other things while we take care of your property.

Whether you want to take advantage of smartphone push notifications that alert you to a triggered alarm or you want our 24/7/365 response team to do the hard work, we have an option to suit everyone.

Security Guard And Police Response

In the event that your alarm is triggered, BAC Fire and Security are able to dispatch the appropriate help. We can contact the emergency services who will arrive on the scene to deal with the event but we also have a team of security guards that offer a range of services.

Our guards can provide full patrol services of both the interior and exterior of your property and if you nominate us as keyholders, our guards will respond quickly and professionally to a triggered alarm. If there is a threat, the appropriate services will be called but if there is no obvious break-in, our guards will reset your system and provide you with a full report upon your return.

Advice And Guidance On Protecting Your Home Or Business

BAC Fire and Security has an excellent and expansive knowledge of the security industry and has seen it develop over the last 40 years. As such, our highly trained team is able to provide you with advice and guidance on what security options are best for you.

As one of our clients, you will have access to our professional team at all times whether you need to request maintenance on your system, ask a pressing question or access some general security tips. We have got you covered.

Why Choose BAC As Your Security Partner?

We are entirely confident in our ability to provide excellence and professionalism in all we do. But we know that making the decision to work with us is a big one for you but our high-quality service speaks for itself.

  • We are a local company that prides itself on being active members of the community. Not only will you be supporting a local business but you will also be helping us in our quest to help the local area thrive.
  • When you work with us, you can feel confident that you are putting the security of your home or business into the most experienced hands in the area. Our team has expansive knowledge within the security industry and our MD has been passionately working within security for more than 40 years!
  • BAC Fire and Security has an impressive list of accreditations. We take what we do seriously and as such have ensured that we meet all standards; our accreditations with BAFE and SSAIB are what we are especially proud of.
  • We take a professional approach to everything we do ensuring that our services are to the high standard you would expect. Moreover, our team is friendly, approachable and happy to demonstrate their knowledge by answering all of your queries and concerns.
  • Since our team will need to enter your property when installing your system, we know that you are going to need peace of mind that they can be trusted. To demonstrate this, every member of the BAC team undergoes enhanced DBS/CRB checks so you can always feel confident allowing us to work at your premises.
  • IN line with the previous point, you will be working with a trusted company that continues to demonstrate its reliability and commitment to its customers.
  • At BAC, we understand that security threats can happen at any time of the day so we have fully staffed phone lines 24/7/365. No matter when the emergency happens, we will be on hand to help.
  • Since we offer a full design and installation service, our clients don’t have to worry about anything. Simply tell us what you need and we will do the hard work for you.
  • As experts in our field, you can trust us to deliver a high-quality service. Our vast knowledge spans the entire security industry so if there is anything you are unsure about, we are on hand to share our experience.
  • Anyone visiting your property will feel much more confident and safe. In addition to this, when you have to leave your property, you will have the peace of mind you need to know that BAC has everything under control where security is concerned.

Want to know more about how BAC can protect your home or business?

BAC are fully accredited and experts in property protection. Have a look at our other Case Studies and projects that can be found on our website, call our friendly team on 0117 958 38 38, or email your enquiry to service@bacsecurity.com