With the lighter evenings here, and as we approach the summer season, where inevitably we open our doors and windows wide to let the fresh air and sunshine in, everyone hopes they won’t become the victim of a burglary. Unfortunately, home break-ins can and do happen. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to protect your home, deter intruders and prevent your home from becoming a target.

You may be wondering what is the best way to protect your home, so the team at Dean Coleman Estates Limited want to share (and answer) some common home security questions.

We also have some statistics to help you understand potential risks. This means you can take steps to ensure greater protection for you, your family, and your property in Birmingham.

Read our Living in Birmingham guide here

Q: When do most burglaries take place?

The majority of home burglaries occur during the daytime

A fact that surprises many homeowners is that burglaries tend to occur during the middle of the day, not at night. There’s a common misconception that burglars only come out during darkness when people are asleep, but this isn’t the case. A significant number of home break-ins take place during the day between 10am and 3pm since most people are at work, leaving their homes empty.

Q: What is the best way to protect your home during the daytime?

Secure your doors and windows: Even if you’re away for just a few minutes.

Install a security system: Home security systems can deter potential burglars and alert you if someone attempts to enter your house. Some systems have remote monitoring capabilities, so you can check on your property from anywhere.

Establish a relationship with your neighbours: Close-knit neighbours can look out for each other. If you’re away from home, they can report any suspicious activity.

Install security cameras: Visible security cameras can deter would-be burglars. Some allow real-time surveillance through your smartphone.

Q: Is it safe to leave a spare key outside my property?

No! Yet over a fifth of people leave spare keys “hidden” outside their home!

A surprising 21% of people still leave spare keys to their home in a “safe place” outside the property. While this may be convenient, it’s also an easy way of inviting criminals into your home.

• 7% hide their key somewhere in their garden.
• 6% put their key in their shed or garage.
• 6% put their key underneath the door mat.
• 2% of people leave their spare key underneath a plant pot.

None of these ‘hiding’ places are very imaginative – and could prove to be a security risk.

Tip: Consider installing a coded key box to safely leave your key. It’s one of the easy ways to protect your home.

Q: Are burglaries usually planned?

No! Almost half of home burglaries are opportunistic

Many people worry that their home was specifically targeted if they become the victim of a burglary. In fact, almost 50% of break-ins take place opportunistically, with no planning involved at all. For this reason, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure your home’s security.

Privacy is key: Don’t leave valuable items in plain view from the outside. Use curtains or blinds to prevent burglars from window-shopping for laptops, games consoles, phones and electrical goods.

Q: Do burglars avoid breaking into homes that are occupied?

Worryingly, in a third of break-ins, somebody is at home

An especially upsetting statistic is that in almost 30% of cases, somebody is inside the property at the time of the burglary. Criminals today are more fearless than ever, and if they’re determined to break into your home, not even your presence will deter them.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure your doors are locked, and windows are closed if you are in the garden, and to turn on the security alarm before going to bed. Security cameras, alarm systems and RING doorbells are very useful installations if you’re concerned about people lurking outside your property.

Remember, the key to home security is using multiple ways to protect your home. The more deterrents you put in place, the safer your property in Birmingham will be.

What Next?

If you’re looking to buy a property in Birmingham with excellent security measures in place, or if you’re thinking of selling your property and are wondering which security upgrades would make your home more desirable, get in touch with Dean Coleman Powered by eXp. I would love to hear from you. Email dean.coleman@exp.uk.com or call 07581 875215. I’m looking forward to helping you achieve your next move.

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