LockSmart - Thru The KeyHole

If the weather men are to be believed were in for a hot summer and after all the doom and gloom of the credit crunch and down right rotten summers of past we ALL deserve it, but beware as the temperatures rise so will the burglary crime rate! you see us Brits don’t get that much sun so when we do we make the most of it, what with long summer nights in the garden, day trips and weekends/weeks at the coast its a case of grab it while you can but its the contents of you homes that the burglars wont to GRAB!

Burglars are opportunists and in the summer months there’s just more opportunities for them – unlocked front door whist you relax in the garden and  windows opened to allow a breeze are the most common mistakes and with no sign of forced entry you could find your self unable to claim on your insurance.

Here at LockSmart we wont you to have the BEST summer possable so we put together our SUMMER ANTI-BURLARY TIPS.
Planning to enjoy the summer at home this year, here’s a few  precautionary steps to help protect your home and possessions.

Close outside doors and windows: Even if you leave a room for a few minutes, pop to the shops for BBQ supplies or are in the back garden, make sure the windows and doors to the outside are closed and preferably locked.

Turn on your alarm: Heading to the supermarket for picnic supplies? Make sure you punch the code into the keypad. Insurance companies may not pay out if you ‘forgot’ to turn your alarm on. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, even if you’re only popping out for ten minutes.

Lock up any garden items: Summer is a great time for DIY, gardening and barbecues, but thieves can – and do – steal garden equipment that’s left lying around. So leave pricier items like lawnmowers, outdoor dining sets, bicycles etc locked away in a secured shed or garage.

Also, don’t leave anything lying around that a burglar could use to gain access to your property – like tools to break open a door or window, or a ladder to gain access to an upstairs window. Home insurance claims have been denied because burglars used an unsecured ladder to get in.

 

planning a holiday away from home, follow these easy tips to help ensure your home is just as you left it upon your return.

Don’t hide spare keys outside: Burglars know all the tricks and all the hiding places, so leave that spare key with a neighbor or friend rather than under a Gnome or flowerpot.

Don’t stay away too long… or if you do, try and get someone to sleep over for part of the time you’re away. A lot of home insurance policies require that a property is not left empty for lengthy spells (typically 30 days). So if you’re lucky enough to be away for that long, try and get someone to stay in your home for at least one night during any 30 day period in order to keep your home insurance valid. Read your policy small print to find out the exact vacancy period limit.

Clear the mail: A pile of bills, shopping catalogues and junk mail poking out of your letterbox is a sure sign you’re not at home. Ask the neighbours to keep an eye out for this while you’re away, and collect any excess mail – burglars will be on the lookout for any obvious clues to an empty home. Likewise, if you have milk delivered, don’t forget to cancel it for the time you’re away.

Put Rover on diet: If a dog flap is large enough for a burglar to fit through, your home insurance policy might be voided in the event of a claim. Make sure you secure any such entry points before heading off on your hols.

Double check everything’s locked: You may be racing to the airport or rushing for the train, but make sure you check all windows and doors are locked and the burglar alarm, if you have one, is set before you go.

LockSmart offers a FREE no obligation Home Security assessment service HomeSmart .