Hints & tips
Security for your Home in the Winter
During the long, dark nights, think about the security of your home. Of course, it is important to have good quality locks on all windows and doors, but you can reduce your risk of suffering a burglary by taking a few simple measures.
- Lock all doors and windows when you go out at night.
- Ensure multi-point door locks are fully activated while you are out and while you are sleeping, by lifting the handle and turning the key.
- Draw your curtains after dark if you go out, and leave a light on.
- If you are out of the house after dusk, use timer switches to automatically turn lights on in the house or porch to give the impression that occupants are entering and leaving rooms in a normal way throughout the evening.
- Don't just leave a hallway light on, as an observant intruder will guess that you are not living solely in the hallway!
- If you have a house alarm, set it overnight to cover downstairs.
- Don't leave door or car keys in site of windows or within reach of doors where they can be hooked through the letterbox.
- Lock away garden tools which could be used for force entry.
- Beware of bogus callers. Check the identity of a caller with the door safety chain on, or use a spy hole.
- External security lighting, with infra-red sensors, will not only detect intruders but will also allow you to approach the house and see if anyone is lurking around.