No matter the season, it’s important to keep your home safe and secure. In the winter, the dark weather gives cover for thieves, while summer holidays leave houses empty for long periods.

However, there are some simple tips and tricks you can follow in order to deter opportunistic burglars.

Fit an alarm…and use it

One of the biggest deterrents for thieves is to have an alarm system in place.

While you can buy fake alarm boxes very cheaply, it is worth the money to invest in a secure alarm system, with door and window panels. This will help give you peace of mind, as well as making the property safer.

Having an alarm system installed can also help to reduce home insurance payments – but remember, it only works if you use it! If you have an alarm system, but do not put it on, it may be that your insurance will not pay out on any break-ins that do occur.

Lock the door even when you pop out

It may seem simple, but the minute you leave your house unlocked when you go to put your bin out, or sit in the garden, someone can sneak into your home.

This is a concern both for houses, where people can get immediate access, and flatted dwellings.

Keep boundaries secure

Large, unruly bushes provide ample coverage for burglars to hide and case out a property, while holes in fences and broken gates allow easy access to properties.

Remember, as well, if you live in a flat, to close the downstairs entry door behind you. If it does not fully close, call your factor and ask for it to be fixed – it is in both their and your interest to make the property safe.

For those in a flat with buzzer entry, it is important as well that you only let in people know.

Install outside lighting

Coming home or locking up in the dark can be scary – but having an outdoor light will help – and can deter those who may be lurking nearby.

A motion-sensor light will illuminate the area when you are coming up a drive way and allow you a better vision of the area – as well as acting as an alert for any visitors.

For those living in a flat, make sure that hallway lights, as well as a light at the entrance of the close are in working order, to ensure your safety. If the lights don’t work, phone your factor or – if you’re DIY savvy, change them yourself.

Change your locks if you move

When locks are put in place, you get given three keys for each