As the clocks go back and darker nights set in, homeowners are being warned to be on their guard ahead of an expected boom in break-ins.

Crime statistics show that burglaries spike by more than a third when daylight savings time comes to an end1, as intruders take advantage of darker evenings and seasonal celebrations, such as Halloween and Bonfire Night.

The Yale sponsored campaign, National Home Security Month (NHSM), which runs throughout October, is raising awareness of the importance of home security to people across the UK.

The final week of the initiative addresses the return of darker nights, paying particular attention to Halloween and Bonfire Night – statistically the worst period of the year for domestic theft and damage.

Empty houses and an early sunset, combined with the loud bangs of fireworks, or the comings and goings of trick-or-treaters, means burglars have an easier job of breaking into homes unnoticed.

To make sure homeowners are prepared, Yale is shining a light on what extra precautions they can take to keep burglars at bay:

Install security lights and a home alarm system. As well as providing a visual deterrent to potential burglars, lights and alarms are vital for alerting neighbours to any unwanted guests. And with a Yale survey carried out in September 2019 revealing half of our neighbours would act if they saw something suspicious at another neighbour’s house, alerting them to any suspicious activity could be vital in protecting your home.

Fit a smart doorbell. Like a home security camera, a video doorbell provides a first line of defence by allowing homeowners to see what’s happening on their doorstep, even when they are out and about.

Make sure doors and windows are up to standard. External timber doors should be secured using a mortice lock or night-latch that meets British Standard.

Bonfire Night can see burglary claims rocket by a massive 42%2 over an ordinary autumn night. Homeowners should be sure to check all windows and doors are locked before heading out to enjoy the fireworks.

Research shows that burglaries and malicious domestic damage increases by 160%3 during the Halloween period. On Halloween night, to prevent unsolicited ‘tricks’, people should consider installing a TS008 letterplate restrictor, to stop thieves from fishing keys or accessing a door lock.

Finally, all valuables should be kept out of sight. By investing in a safe, valuables such as jewellery can be locked away and out of sight.
Launched in 2013 and supported by a range of retailers, police constabularies, locksmith and security professionals, NHSM takes place every year and offers advice, information and support on how people can keep their properties and families safe as dark nights return.

Offers from major retailers will run throughout the campaign, so people can secure their home for a fraction of the cost.

Nigel Fisher, managing director of Yale UK, said: “With darker nights and shorter days upon us, NHSM will be shining a light on the importance of security.

“This year the campaign is focused on ‘Security That’s Right Up Your Street’, so the hope is that as many people as possible will join Yale and its supporters in helping to lock out burglars and keep everyone safe as the clocks go back.

“Together, everyone can stop Halloween becoming a real-life nightmare and ensure that Bonfire Night goes with a bang for all the right reasons.”

For the latest campaign updates and top tips, search for National Home Security Month on Facebook and Twitter (#NHSM19), or visit www.homesecuritymonth.com

FURTHER RESOURCE: 17 Easy Ways To Protect Your Home From Intruders