TOP FIVE HOME SECURITY TIPS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
With the evenings drawing in and the mornings feeling frostier, homeowners are reminded that the countdown to Christmas is on.
Melanie McDonald, Head of PR and Internal Communications for Anglian Home Improvements, said:
"Amid all the excitement of the festivities, it is easy to see why so many of us are guilty of letting our guard down over the Christmas period when it comes to home security. The holiday season is a prime time for burglars. Criminals are on the lookout to cash in on the high-value goods we have in our homes at this time of year, and are waiting for an opportunity to strike while homeowners are out and about.
"Amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas celebrations, it is important to stay vigilant when it comes to keeping your home safe and secure. For over 50 years, Anglian Home Improvements has played an important role in helping homeowners have a cosy Christmas, safe in the knowledge their doors and windows won't let them down.
"We have pulled together our top five tips for home security to give homeowners some ideas on how they can safeguard their homes to stop the Grinch from stealing Christmas."
1. Lock, Stock and Carol
Did you know 40% of burglars in England and Wales gain entry through a forced door? Make sure your locks are up to the job. Fitted with state of the art cylinder locks as standard, Anglian's doors offer the highest level of security. Once you have good locks in place, make sure you use them – don't be tempted to leave windows or doors ajar for outdoor Christmas lighting cables as this is an open invitation to burglars.
2. Home Alone
If your home is left empty, it could be an easy target for burglars. Don't advertise your absence, make your home looks lived in while you're away visiting family and friends. Set timers so lights, televisions and music systems are switched on and off, remember to cancel daily paper or milk deliveries, and always be sure to let a trusted neighbour know you'll be away so they can keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
3. Covert Christmas
Fewer things look more festive than a pile of wrapped presents under the tree. While this display may look lovely, it is far too inviting to the opportunist criminal. Ensure your gifts safe by hiding them away out of sight and out of mind. Keep prying eyes away by closing your blinds and curtains and if you can, take away the temptation by leaving it until Christmas morning to put your presents under the tree.
4. Instagram Actually
Burglars are becoming increasingly social media savvy and searching Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for potential targets. Avoid sharing too much online about where you are, when you are going or what you have got.
5. Jingle Bell Box
After the presents have been opened on Christmas Day, be discrete when you are disposing of packaging. Don't pile up empty boxes outside your home displaying all the expensive gifts you have inside. Break the boxes down put them in black bags to disguise what they are.
For more information on Anglian Home Improvements, please visit www.anglianhome.co.uk
Melanie McDonald, Head of PR and Internal Communications for Anglian Home Improvements, said:
"Amid all the excitement of the festivities, it is easy to see why so many of us are guilty of letting our guard down over the Christmas period when it comes to home security. The holiday season is a prime time for burglars. Criminals are on the lookout to cash in on the high-value goods we have in our homes at this time of year, and are waiting for an opportunity to strike while homeowners are out and about.
"Amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas celebrations, it is important to stay vigilant when it comes to keeping your home safe and secure. For over 50 years, Anglian Home Improvements has played an important role in helping homeowners have a cosy Christmas, safe in the knowledge their doors and windows won't let them down.
"We have pulled together our top five tips for home security to give homeowners some ideas on how they can safeguard their homes to stop the Grinch from stealing Christmas."
1. Lock, Stock and Carol
Did you know 40% of burglars in England and Wales gain entry through a forced door? Make sure your locks are up to the job. Fitted with state of the art cylinder locks as standard, Anglian's doors offer the highest level of security. Once you have good locks in place, make sure you use them – don't be tempted to leave windows or doors ajar for outdoor Christmas lighting cables as this is an open invitation to burglars.
2. Home Alone
If your home is left empty, it could be an easy target for burglars. Don't advertise your absence, make your home looks lived in while you're away visiting family and friends. Set timers so lights, televisions and music systems are switched on and off, remember to cancel daily paper or milk deliveries, and always be sure to let a trusted neighbour know you'll be away so they can keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
3. Covert Christmas
Fewer things look more festive than a pile of wrapped presents under the tree. While this display may look lovely, it is far too inviting to the opportunist criminal. Ensure your gifts safe by hiding them away out of sight and out of mind. Keep prying eyes away by closing your blinds and curtains and if you can, take away the temptation by leaving it until Christmas morning to put your presents under the tree.
4. Instagram Actually
Burglars are becoming increasingly social media savvy and searching Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for potential targets. Avoid sharing too much online about where you are, when you are going or what you have got.
5. Jingle Bell Box
After the presents have been opened on Christmas Day, be discrete when you are disposing of packaging. Don't pile up empty boxes outside your home displaying all the expensive gifts you have inside. Break the boxes down put them in black bags to disguise what they are.
For more information on Anglian Home Improvements, please visit www.anglianhome.co.uk