Nearly 300,000 burglaries are committed in summer, ADT shares how to secure home

Research has revealed summer is the second worst time of year for burglaries in the UK, with over 277,000 recorded. 

Crime and burglary rates 

Security experts at ADT have looked at government and ONS data to determine the crime and burglary rates for different police force areas in the UK.

They also looked at these figures per quarter, to see which time of the year has the highest crime and burglary rates.

Seasonal offences

Time of the year that burglary offences occur the most:

Steps to secure home

To keep the property safe, ADT has shared its best tips to secure a home:

• Lock doors and windows

If users think they have locked doors, it is extra safe to double-check. The same applies to windows too, any points of entry must be locked when they go to bed or leave the house. 

For an added level of security, users could also add an extra lock to doors and windows. 

• Invest in a smart security system

Additionally, users can receive arming reminders if they leave home without setting their alarm

A more modern approach to protecting the home is to install a smart security system, which is becoming a much more popular option. These systems come with a host of features, such as allowing users to check live and recorded video footage from cameras and video doorbells. 

They also allow to remotely toggle an alarm on and off from phone. Additionally, users can receive arming reminders if they leave home without setting their alarm. 

• Ensure the alarm system is professionally monitored

Users can’t always be sure to catch alerts sent to their phone, but with professionally monitored alarm systems, they can be at ease.

These systems use a monitoring system that sends an alert when it detects a burglary or fire for instance, then contacts the appropriate authorities on the user's behalf, ensuring a swift response. 

• The calendar could be used against the user

This one is a little more outside the box, but if users leave the calendar close to a window, for instance, they are potentially showing everyone their plans. 

Doing so could be showing off holiday plans or other events when the user might not be home. Planning things ahead of time is fine, but just be sure not to leave those plans where burglars could benefit. 

• Light up home

A video doorbell and camera devices work in collaboration with smart plugs

Lighting a home is another way to signal to a burglar that the home is occupied, even if it isn’t, and as such can deter attempted break-ins. Smart plugs can be used like a traditional timer switch, but user can stagger the times they come on and can operate the lights in the home remotely, no matter where they are.

A video doorbell and camera devices work in collaboration with smart plugs so when they detect motion outside, the system can switch on lights. 

• Don’t leave keys outside

This is an all too common practice, however, users should avoid leaving a spare key outside, even in the case of emergencies.

There are better contingencies to take to ensure whoever needs access to the key can reach it. For example, the user could leave it with nearby relatives or trusted friends, or neighbours. 

• Keep expensive goods out of easy view

Where possible, users should avoid leaving expensive and valuable items in clear view

Where possible, users should avoid leaving expensive and valuable items in clear view.

Putting valuables in clear sight makes it easier for burglars to scope out a property, making it easier to target the most expensive items to steal. 

• Cancel or rearrange deliveries

If users are planning on going away for any period, they should consider cancelling or making alternative arrangements for any deliveries. 

Often, delivery drivers may leave parcels on doorsteps or other “safe places”, assuming users will be home shortly to collect them. However, this is a clear indication to burglars that they aren’t home, and as such property may become a target.