ADT experts released their top tips on how to stay safe as burglary crimes are expected to rise

As the UK hits another recession, more and more people are struggling to pay for food, heating, and water. According to Google trends, searches for ‘food banks near me’ have risen 7000% since last Christmas, and ‘help with heating’ searches have risen by 880%. People are struggling - but what does this mean for crime rates? 

Rise in thefts

Glenn Amato, Managing Director at ADT UK&I Subscriber, comments, “Recession and violent crime do not go hand in hand, but we can expect to see a rise in burglary and theft over the coming months. During the great recession in 2008, UK police forces reported rising instances of robbery, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. During the recession, thefts increased by 25% and burglaries by 4%.

“This rise in thefts could also be seen during the 1990 recession and 1980, as well as an increase in fraud. So, as the country prepares for the longest recession since records began heading into 2023, it is important to equip your house to warn off any potential burglars.” 

How to warn off burglars and keep the house safe  

• Check windows and doors

Ahead of the winter months, double-check that the locks are working on both the windows and the doors

Security flaws in the property could include things like unsecured windows, garage doors, and hidden keys. Ahead of the winter months, double-check that the locks are working on both the windows and the doors. 

The door for a pet is also more likely to assist an intruder if it is too big, so make sure users keep its size to the minimum required for the pet to enter and install a lock for further protection. In addition, simply never keep the key in a secret place outside. While convenient, this way of storing a key poses a significant risk. 

• Outdoor Lighting 

Check that the outdoor lighting is in working order. If any of the outdoor lights are not working properly, this is the time to fix them, having the areas outside of the property well-lit makes it a lot harder for burglars to get in discreetly, thus making the house to be a less likely target.

• Light up the home 

Smart plugs can be used like a traditional timer switch, but users can stagger the times they come on and they can operate the lights in their home remotely, no matter where they are.

Also, users' video doorbells and camera devices work in collaboration with smart plugs so that when they detect motion outside, the system can switch on lights. 

• Keep valuables in a safe place 

Remember that safe boxes can be lifted and carried out, so ideally, users' safety should be built into a wall

If possible, move the most valuable items in a home to a more secure place, such as a safe. Remember that safe boxes can be lifted and carried out, so ideally, users' safety should be built into a wall.

If users don’t have a safe or their items won’t fit, make sure they store them away so they can’t be seen through the window, as this might encourage burglars to try and break in. Burglars most frequently target the following items, so make sure these items aren’t on display in the home:

1) Cash

2) Electronics

3) Expensive jewelry and watches

4) Designer fashion items

• Secure the home with an alarm and cameras

Consider investing in security cameras. Teamed with a good intruder alarm, security cameras make the chances of the home being broken into really slim.

While it is perhaps the most obvious, it is also one of the most effective, a home security camera makes the home 30% less likely to be targeted by intruders. 

• Keep the car doors locked and valuables hidden 

Thieves are likely to try car doors and look for any quick wins such as cash, bags, or any items of value stored in cars. It is in the user's best interest to take any items from their car and move them into their house.

If users cannot take these items back to their houses, hiding them from sight will stop thieves from being able to see them. Video doorbells and cameras watching over the car can act as a deterrent to any possible thieves.

• Do not neglect the garden 

A garden can be seen as an easy target for burglars more than half a million garden thefts are reported

Keep the garden in check, don’t forget that the garden is an extension of the property, and a garden can be seen as an easy target by burglars more than half a million garden thefts are reported across Britain every year, and this number has seen a surge this year.

Remember to keep the gate shut at all times, and make sure to put the furniture and tools away.

• Don’t forget to set the alarm 

This may seem like an obvious one, but many people with alarm systems forget or choose not to set their alarm when they go out.

If users already have a home alarm system, remember to set it up before leaving their home, even if they are away for a few hours. But don’t worry, with an ADT home security system, users can be sent arming reminders if they haven't set the alarm.

• Get a video doorbell

Video doorbells not only allow users to see and speak with whoever is at their front door, wherever they are, but they also act as the first line of defence as a visual deterrent, notifying them immediately when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected.

• Install lockable sash jammers

Often burglars use a crowbar to wedge the window mechanisms out of place and gain access to the targeted properties, therefore, sash jammers could represent a very effective security measure.

• Rely on the furry friends

Dogs can also be an effective weapon against break-ins. Getting a sign that indicates that a dog is in the house, even if there’s no real dog, could discourage burglars from targeting the property.