LivingINBL October 2016 | Page 15

Clocks go back and burglars come out With this year having been one of the warmest and sunniest in recent years, it is understandable that many of us don’t want to think about the start of autumn, with winter not too far around the corner either. However, the calendar doesn’t lie and now that we are into October. Autumn is certainly upon us and it’s time to start thinking about the colder and darker winter months that are to come, especially when the clocks go back. But for burglars it’s a joyus time of year, so we should all be thinking about how secure our homes are. In each of the last ten years in the UK, the number of reported burglaries has increased significantly at the beginning of winter, with the number of incidents on big occasions like Bonfire Night up to 28% higher than on an average night. Winter is consistently the worst period for break-ins, so it is therefore the one in which homeowners should pay the most attention to their security. The big increase in burglaries in winter can be attributed to a number of different factors. For one thing, criminals always find it easier to operate under the cover of dark evenings and longer nights. Fortunately, there are some tangible ways to decrease the likelihood of your home suffering a break-in. Some are obvious and easy to do, some are less so. Firstly, it is important to remember that most burglars are very opportunistic in nature - they see an open window, or a house that looks empty and easy, and they take advantage. It seems obvious, but remembering to lock your doors and windows can make a huge difference. More than 5,000 people were burgled last year because they didn't lock their front door, so it's not as silly as it sounds. Other simple actions like leaving your living room lights on when you go out can also help to prevent burglars from seeing your home as an easy target. Once you have all the basics covered, it can then be worth considering what your home's weak points are, and how they might be exploited by an intruder. It is well worth investing in security lighting, especially to illuminate areas not visable from the main road. As well as the traditional types there are now many effective LED lights that cost a fraction of their older rivals. It is essential that you hire a compitent electrician to fit outdoor lights has rain and electricity don’t mix well and the safety of your family and visitors to your home is important! CCTV has come a long way in the past few years and many systems now use Wi-fi meaning less wires around the home plus the added bonus of being able to monitor your home via computer or mobile phone from anywhere in the world. Ideal when either at work or away on holiday etc. Every year the clocks go back and the thieves come out, so don't be caught out this winter - a few extra security measures and precautions here and there could mean the difference between an opportunistic burglar trying his luck at your property or passing it by in search of an easier target. Quality British Carpets Genuine Factory Prices Visit the local factory shop where our carpets are made and we guarantee... You won’t go anywhere else! A.J. ARMSTRONG WINDOW CLEANERS AND GUTTER CLEANING TELEPHONE 01204 668943 MOBILE 07543053570 This Christmas make your home gorgeous with Jorgus [email protected] BEST PRICES GUARANTEED PLUS 50% OFF YOUR FIRST CLEAN! OPENING TIMES MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 8AM - 5PM THURSDAY 8AM - 8PM. FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM SATURDAY 10AM - 3PM. SUNDAY 11AM - 3PM Simply JORGUS JORGUS carpets To advertise your business contact the experts at v nginBL TEL: 01204 669966 LIVINGINBL c Open 7 days a week Fitting service Free estimates Commercial and domestic Roll ends also available Jorgus Carpets, Grimeford Mill. Grimeford Lane, Adlington PR6 9HL Tel: 01257 482636 www.jorgus.co.uk PAGE 15