This winter you may be thinking about the security of your property, particularly with the influx of new gifts and gadgets that will find their way into your home in the festive period. In December and January the number of burglaries in the UK rises as criminals seek to take advantage of the shorter days and darker nights. In fact, Crimestoppers claims that the burglary rate in January can rise by as much as 11%.

If you want to protect your property and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to criminal activity, there are several things you need to do. The first of these should be to contact a local locksmith to get your external locks checked. Locksmiths will be able to advise you about the level of security they offer and can provide upgrades if necessary.

A second thing you can do is ensure you invest in other products such as security lights and burglar alarms. Many winter break-ins occur because criminals see an opportunity with a poorly protected property. A light that will activate when someone approaches is a good idea because it reveals intruders and will stop them from hiding under the cover of darkness. Alarms create a disturbance when someone tries to break in, preventing them from doing so without attracting attention.

It is important to be careful about where you leave spare keys. A number of property owners will hide them in the garden or outbuildings. If you do this you need to make sure you aren’t giving criminals a clear way of accessing the building by leaving keys in an obvious location. Door mats, plant pots, rocks and gnomes are all typical items keys are left under, but none of them will offer much security. It is better to leave a spare key with a reliable neighbour.

Our locksmiths offer a wide range of services for property owners across Northampton, helping them to secure buildings and protect them against prospective criminals. We can inspect, repair and upgrade locks, fit doors and security grilles, and provide upgrades for security systems, ensuring your property stays as safe as possible throughout the winter.