Five ways to keep your home safe this Christmas

Master Locksmiths Association – the leading trade association for the locksmithing profession – issues security advice on keeping your home secure this Christmas

The Master Locksmiths Association, the leading trade association for the locksmith industry, is encouraging homeowners to remain vigilant during the festive period.

Whilst Christmas is an exciting time with plenty of parties, presents and Prosecco, it is also a time when burglaries traditionally peak - and with homes full of presents and families out and about enjoying the festivities, opportune criminals can be watching for the right moment to strike.

Over the festive period, homeowners are advised to:

1. Keep your Christmas lights twinkling safely:

30 per cent of burglaries occur via unlocked front doors whilst 26 per cent occur via open or unlocked windows.[1] So make sure you use or install outdoor electrical sockets for those Christmas lights and, whatever you do - don’t be tempted to run cables for outdoor lights through partially open windows or doors.

2. Keep gifts out of sight:

While it may be traditional to keep gifts under the tree during the weeks leading up to Christmas, this can also be an advertisement to potential thieves. Consider placing yours out of sight and away from the window, in particular away from those that look onto busy streets. And if you’re buying expensive presents that will be kept outdoors, such as bikes, why not include an appropriate lock that has been independently tested by a third party certification agency such as Sold Secure (soldsecure.com)

3. Don’t advertise an empty home:

While Christmas is a time for enjoying the occasion, if you do plan on spending the festive season away from your home, be careful not to shout about it on social media – you could be advertising an empty home to strangers. Similarly think carefully about any message you add to your voicemail or answerphone. Adding a timer system to your lights requires very little effort and can work as an excellent deterrent against would-be-thieves especially when used upstairs or away from sight

4. Consider fitting a home security system:

Homes with security systems are 300 per cent less likely to be burgled.[2] So for further peace of mind, consider installing an alarm or CCTV system which will allow you to keep an eye on your property from wherever you are in the world via the internet, including your smart phone

5. Review your security regularly:

Check that all locks on doors and windows are correctly fitted and functioning and replace any that are broken. Don’t be tempted to take the DIY route. On average, the cost of fixing botched DIY security jobs is £323.[3] A local expert locksmith, such as an MLA approved company, will be able to check your locks and advise on the best products to use. Plus, they can usually carry out an assessment of your home security free of charge

Dr Steffan George, Managing Director of The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), said: “Christmas should be a time of excitement, but we often see homes targeted by thieves at this time of year. By taking a few simple precautions, homeowners can do a lot to keep their homes safe and secure. For extra peace of mind, ask an MLA-approved locksmith to review your home security – they have the expertise and knowledge to advise you on appropriate security measures in line with your home insurance requirements and will often carry out home security assessments free of charge.”

To find a locksmith in your area visit the user-friendly MLA website at locksmiths.co.uk. To review a list of independently tested and approved security products visit the Sold Secure website at: soldsecure.com. Security guidelines for domestic properties can also be downloaded free of charge from locksmiths.co.uk/security-advice/security-guidelines-for-domestic-dwellings/

[1] Yale summer security campaign, 2016

2 Home Security Month, 2017 (Yale)

3 Home Security Month, May Day Campaign, homesecuritymonth.com/may-day-infographic-ins-outs-diy-3/