National Home Security Month

It is National Home Security Month this month with the intention of highlighting the importance of preventative measures to secure your home.

It is no accident that this initiative coincides with the clocks going back and darker nights creeping in. These changes make for the perfect conditions for break-ins, explaining the annual increase in domestic burglaries at this time of year.

Burglary statistics

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), 70% of UK burglaries happen Monday to Friday, with 60% happening between 6pm and 6am.

The ONS also reports that for the year 2022/23, UK burglaries are up by 4%, which equates to an additional 10,000 homes broken into in England and Wales. This increase may in part be driven by the cost of living crisis and the economic pressures that go with it as some people feel forced to turn to crime. As the economic outlook in the UK is still uncertain, it will be interesting to see how this trend develops.

From those burglaries committed, ONS data reveals that in 76% of domestic burglaries cases in England and Wales, the burglar gained access through a door making door locking products of key importance.

Home security is in your hands

According to data published by Essex Police (12-month period up to March 2022), only a pitiful 4.2% of residential burglaries were solved. This is down from 6.7% in the previous 12-month period. Sadly the lack of funding and resources means police will often not be able to attend a break-in and it is highly unlikely that anyone will be prosecuted if you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a burglary.

This means that even more so than before, you have to take responsibility for your own home and making sure that it is as secure as possible.

The addition of security lights and cameras as well as properly fitted good quality high security locks will all help to deter and/or prevent a potential burglar from entering your home. During National Home Security Month is a good time to invest in some security products and improved locks as many companies have special offers during this time period.

Contact Lock Guy for advice on home security and lock upgrades in the Essex region.

See more details on National Home Security Month and advice on the Home Security Month website.

Got a question about a lock issue you may have? Why not have a look at the FAQ page or one of the helpful advice videos on the Media page.