Brace for a post-lockdown spike in burglaries, homeowners warned

Crimestoppers has warned homeowners to prepare for a potential surge in burglaries once lockdown ends.

There was a 20 per cent drop in house burglaries last year compared to 2019, analysis of government crime figures revealed.

But there are fears the numbers could quickly climb as restrictions ease and people begin spending more time away from the home. 

Homeowners are being urged to prepare for a potential surge in burglaries once lockdown ends. There was a 20 per cent drop in house burglaries last year compared to 2019, analysis of government crime figures revealed. But there are fears numbers could climb. Stock image

As people begin returning to offices and heading off on holidays, many homes could soon be left vacant for long periods for the first time since March last year, encouraging burglars to try and take advantage.

Mick Duthie, director of operations at Crimestoppers, said: ‘As we come out of lockdown, it’s crucial that we all ensure our homes are as secure as possible. 

‘This spring could feel like the Christmas burglars didn’t have last year, because we stayed at home.’

Many have also invested in expensive technology over the last year, making homes bigger targets than ever.

Big ticket lockdown buys make homes bigger targets for crime

Research commissioned by John Lewis Home Insurance revealed the 10 big ticket items most people have bought during lockdown, all of which make homes more attractive for burglars: 

  1. Smartphone 
  2. Garden Furniture 
  3. TV 
  4. Computer 
  5. Printer 
  6. Computer Tablet 
  7. Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker 
  8. Outdoor bicycle 
  9. Gym equipment 
  10. Computer screen

Research commissioned by John Lewis Home Insurance reveals that more than 71 per cent of people have purchased big ticket items including gym equipment, tablets and televisions since March last year. 

Shoppers spent an average of £4,300 on such luxuries, according to the survey of 2,000 UK adults. 

Criminals who have previously relied on burglaries for a portion of their income have been left short and will be on the lookout for items that are easy to steal and sell on. 

There are steps everyone can take to secure their home against burglars. Crimestoppers recommends the following: 

SECURE THE PERIMETER

Before focusing on your front door and windows, think about securing the perimeter surrounding your home.

Don’t leave garden tools outside, keep ladders out of sight and ensure sheds, garages and outbuildings are locked. 

In the garden, consider installing a fence that is at least 2m high to deter anyone climbing over. A spiky bush or shrub nearby can also put off intruders. 

Make sure side and back gates are secure before you leave home. 

INSTALL BURGLAR ALARMS AND SECURITY LIGHTS

If you can, fit burglar alarms with flashing lights and sounders at the front and back of your property. 

Alarms deter burglars on sight because they show you have taken steps to protect your home. 

Outside security lights mean any trespassers will be unable to skulk in the shadows. Ensure these are placed at least 2m off the ground to reduce risk of tampering.  

Burglars will be looking to take advantage of any perceived weaknesses and nothing will be more appealing than the sight of poor-quality locks. Stock image

Burglars will be looking to take advantage of any perceived weaknesses and nothing will be more appealing than the sight of poor-quality locks. Stock image

UPGRADE YOUR LOCKS 

Invest in good quality locks for your windows and doors. 

Burglars will be looking to take advantage of any perceived weaknesses and nothing will be more appealing than the sight of poor-quality locks.

Lock snapping is a common technique used by burglars on cylinder locks. These are found on almost all homes that have UPVC doors, as well as a large number of composite and aluminium doors.

Even if you’re only going out for a few minutes, check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked before you leave.

ALWAYS KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED AT NIGHT 

Even when you’re at home, try not to leave accessible windows open at night. 

Window locks, particularly on older period properties, are often vulnerable to being forced open.

Windows positioned on the ground floor or above a flat roof, for example, need to be fitted with reliable locks as they can make for easy access.

You should also make windows are linked to any alarm system

MAKE THE HOUSE LOOK ‘ALIVE’ WHEN YOU’RE OUT 

Switch lights or a radio on when you go out. You can buy timer devices to do this automatically.

Keys should always be kept out of reach of doors, locks and open windows.

Consider installing home security cameras or software inside your home too, this can be done using a simple webcam in some instances.  

TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS WHEN YOU’RE AWAY ON HOLIDAY 

If you’re going away on holiday, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home, take in any milk and newspaper deliveries, and maybe park on your drive. 

BE ALERT IF YOU HAVE AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR

Don’t let yourself become a victim of a Distraction Burglary. 

This is when more than one person calls at your door, trying to dupe you into letting one caller in to burgle you whilst you are distracted by another one.