Your home’s never more likely to be burgled than on Bonfire Night, it’s claimed. While everyone is out watching firework displays and eating treacle toffee, burglars across the UK break into more homes than on any other night on the calendar, home security product company eSafes.co.uk suggests.
The last decade has seen a rise in damage claims to the home recorded, with damage to cars and car thefts rising in the week between Halloween and Bonfire Night. Indeed, the week from October 30 to November 5 regularly sees the number of reported burglaries rise by a quarter when compared with the weekly average for the rest of the year, according to the firm. And yet, the company adds, a few home security steps can put a dampener on burglars.
Richard Nash, eSafes spokesman, said: “We find that people only think about their home security after they have been burgled. We want people to review their home security before they fall victim to crime. There are a few simple things they can avoid which will make their home far less attractive to Bonfire Night Burglars.”
Police suggest that the front door is the most likely access point for burglars at any time of the year. Many burglars are opportunistic and will chance their luck by trying the door, which is unlikely to arouse suspicion from neighbours and passers-by.
Richard said: “Leaving a spare key anywhere near the front door will also leave a house vulnerable to burglars as seasoned thieves will be aware of all the places to look for a key, including under doormats, plant pots and bins, as well as on top of door and window frames. Your house keys can also be vulnerable inside your home too. If they are kept too close to the letterbox, crooks simply push a wire or hook through the letterbox of a door to fish out any keys in sight.”
If your home appears to be unoccupied it can also attract unwanted attention from people looking to loot empty homes. “Draw the curtains, turn on some lights and leave the television or radio playing when you leave for an evening, making it seem that the house is occupied,” Richard added.
“For added security, homeowners can install burglar alarms and CCTV cameras to deter any would-be thieves from even considering breaking in. Our advice is that, before you go out to enjoy the fireworks and Guy Fawkes fun on November 5th, a few simple steps to make it more difficult for burglars can make a lot of difference.”
