Unsurprisingly, Winter and autumn are the worst time of year for break ins, the darker and longer evenings make for the perfect chance to get away unspotted. Keeping your home secure and break-in proof is essential even if it’s just 
for your own peace of mind.
Here are 4 top tips to keep your home safe this winter;
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Get an alarm system installed- and use it!
Based on a report by the University of North Carolina, burglars will very often avoid a property they can see has an alarm system. It’s a great way to ward off thieves as its lets them know they’re not going to get away quietly. Even if they choose to take no notice of the alarm it’s still a great way to notify neighbours or whoever’s in the house that there’s an intruder.
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Set timers
There’s no bigger giveaway than going out leaving all the lights off. If you want to ward them away, you need to at least make it look like someone’s home. Timers are a great way to do this, they allow you to choose a time for your lights to come on so even if you’re away on holiday they’ll come on every day/evening like clockwork and give the illusion someone is home.
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Lock windows and doors
Yes, I know it sound daft but always always always double check you’ve locked your windows and doors! Not only when you’ve gone out but also when you’re in the house. There’s nothing stopping a burglar sneaking in through the back door whilst you’re half asleep in the front room. You’re also putting yourself at risk by allowing a face to face confrontation with someone who is potentially very dangerous.
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Don’t leave your valuables where the eye can see
Leaving out valuable and expensive items such as laptops, mobile phones and jewellery where they can be seen through a window is an open invitation for thieves on the lookout. Make sure you keep such items hidden away somewhere hidden. Investing in a small safe would be recommended. Even if someone wasn’t going out with the intention to break-in, there’s always the possibility they could see your valuables and be tempted into it. So, don’t be a fool!
