Burglary Peak Season Sparks Calls For Better Home Security

Homeowners are being urged to lock up their homes, avoid common security mistakes and stay alert as we approach peak home burglary season. This comes after it was reported a house is burglarised in the UK on average every 173 seconds in the year ending June 2024, that’s 498 home burglaries a day.

Home insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are sharing tips to help households stay safe and prevent burglaries given the summer months are reportedly peak season for this particular crime, and the average break in costs households a hefty £4,120. In 2024, police forces in England & Wales recorded 238,893 burglary reports – meaning for every 1,000 people, 4 were burgled.

Burglaries are particularly common during the summer months as opportunists often take advantage of empty houses while people are on holiday and easier forms of entry as people leave doors and windows open for ventilation. Keeping windows and doors locked, ensuring doors have multi-point locking systems and installing some additional safety lights can all help deter burglars looking for an easy target.

Holidaymakers are also being urged to resist posting photos of their holiday on social media until they return home, to avoid alerting opportunistic criminals that no one is in the property. Burglar alarms are recommended both to deter potential intruders and help reduce home insurance premiums – especially if people live in an area notorious for burglaries such as Hackney, Middlesborough or Leeds.

Greg Wilson, CEO and home insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Summer is known to be the peak time for burglaries, as many people head off on holiday and windows are left open for ventilation, which provides the perfect opportunity for intruders. Staying alert and ensuring that all windows, doors, and any outbuildings are securely locked can help deter burglars and prevent theft. Installing motion sensor lights can also act as a deterrent, and making sure all gardening equipment is tidied away is key, as the majority of thieves use items on the premises to help them break in. When it comes to insurance, having a house alarm can help reduce the cost of your premiums – just make sure you provide your insurer with accurate information – the alarm is unlikely to reduce your insurance premium if it’s not professionally installed and monitored. It’s also important to remember that crime rates can also impact your insurance premiums – both for home and car insurance. Those living in areas with higher crime rates may find themselves paying more, so a factor worth researching when considering where to live. It’s also worth checking what garden equipment and furniture is covered under your home and contents insurance policy, as not every supplier will include the likes of barbecues, outdoor sofas and firepits as standard.”

How to keep your home safe from burglaries:

Use multi-point locking doors

Multi-point locking doors add an extra layer of security to your home by making it more difficult for locks to be picked and ensuring that doors remain firmly secured. uPVC doors and most modern doors come with this multi-locking system, which works by lifting the handle and then turning the key to lock it. If your doors are BSI approved (British Standards Institution), it may also help reduce the cost of your home insurance.

Reduce opportunities for intruders

Keep anything valuable out of sight and away from windows where intruders may be able to see in. This could include items such as laptops, car keys, bicycles and garden tools. Leaving valuables on display can make your home an easy target, it could also invalidate your insurance cover, so it’s best to store them securely, and out of sight.  It’s also sensible to refrain from posting anything about your holiday on social media, to avoid alerting burglars to the fact that your home is unoccupied.

Invest in a reliable alarm system

Incorporating a home alarm system can help deter burglars and alert others if a break in occurs.  Alarms also offer peace of mind, especially when you’re away on holiday. Homes with alarm systems also often qualify for discounted insurance premiums, however, it’s important to update your policy accurately. Some insurers will ask whether the alarm is monitored, and providing incorrect details could void your cover or affect a claim.

Install motion activated lighting

Motion lights draw attention to any potential intruders, and when triggered can startle burglars, deterring anyone who may be up to no good. Installing motion lighting around entrances, driveways, and side paths can significantly increase your home’s visibility and security. 

Keep windows and doors locked

Ensuring that doors and windows are locked can prevent opportunists from gaining access to your property and deter burglars who are looking for easy targets. Using padlocks on sheds and outbuildings will also discourage intruders from accessing anything valuable. These measures are relatively inexpensive and can significantly reduce the chances of a break-in.

Stay alert

Most burglaries take place during the day, so it’s important to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour in your area. In some cases, thieves have been known to mark properties with chalk to remind themselves of houses that could be potential targets. Don’t be afraid to ask unexpected visitors for their ID, this won’t be a problem for legitimate callers and could discourage anyone who is disingenuous.  Also consider joining your local neighbourhood watch scheme, this may help reduce your home insurance costs and increase protection around your home. 

Quotezone helps millions of people each year compare home insurance and find essential savings, everything from unoccupied home insurance to multi cover car and home insurance.