Politics
I’m a security expert – homeowners MUST follow my top tips to keep burglars at bay when the weather is warm
A SECURITY expert has revealed how homeowners always forget her seven top tips for when weather is warm.
Locksmith Elizabeth Johns said Brits often leave windows open for prolonged periods of time as it gets hotter.
Getty – ContributorA security expert has revealed how homeowners always forget her seven top tips when for when weather is warm[/caption]
But she claims homeowners must ensure they’re shut and locked before going to bed – or if they’re heading out.
If Brits are lax with their security, their house could fall prey to crooks.
Elizabeth – owner of Locksmith L & E Ltd – told The Sun: “As it gets hotter people do start to leave their windows open – and not realise that you’re opening yourself up to intruders.
“If windows are downstairs, always make sure that you close them fully before you go to bed.
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“And make sure they’re properly secure before you go out anywhere or leave the property unattended.”
If Brits want to leave their windows open overnight to keep the house cool, window restrictors need to be fitted, Elizabeth added.
These devices stop windows opening too far – and therefore allowing a burglar to sneak in.
Her third tip is essential for summer gardening fanatics.
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Elizabeth said: “The one thing that we see a lot is as it gets hotter, people do more DIY, more gardening.
“A lot of the time people leave garage doors open while they get their tools out, or go around to the back of the house.
“If you’ve got anything in the garage like tools or a bike its a very quick, easy route for a thief to see and open garage and a bike and think ‘I’ll take that’.
“It can be done in an instant.”
If Brits want to take a holiday in the warmer months, Elizabeth said Brits should keep plans on the downlow until they get back.
“Makes sure you’re not posting on social media that you’re going to be away.
Seven top tips to protect your home in warm weather
Always make sure your windows are shut and locked overnight, or if you’re going out;
If you want to keep an upstairs window open while you sleep, use a window restrictor;
Lock your garage while doing garden work – even if you only step away for a few seconds;
Don’t post about your holiday online before you go;
Tell your neighbours when you’re away so they can check on your house;
Make sure you have someone who can pop in to take away piles of unopened post while you’re away.
“Post your pictures when you come back.”
She said homeowners should also have someone look out for any strange behaviour at the house when they’re away.
“If you have anyone that can look after the house or maybe come and visit to check everything, that would be a good idea.”
A trusted friend or neighbour should look out for any chalk markings which thieves use to mark properties as empty and ready to target.
And finally, Brits should always have someone take away their post.
A pile of unopened letters visible through a window is a clear sign to robbers that the house is empty – and an easy target.
Earlier, Elizabeth revealed three common mistakes all drivers MUST avoid in hot weather.
She also shared simple tips to follow if you’ve lost your car keys.
