Do you feel safe leaving your home empty? We’re often shocked by the number of homeowners who simply think that a locked door is enough of a burglar deterrent. Thieves enjoy high seasons like the winter months when we’re likely to have stocks of gifts and luxury food. But, they won’t just stop there – they are always looking for an opportunity to break into your home.

Don’t leave your home vulnerable. If your home is being targeted, the thieves will probably already know your routine, or have a very good idea about it. Could they be looking to get in during your regular morning run or might they know when you leave for work every day. Even though many of us are at home at the moment opportunists are already weighing up their chances and if you think in just half an hour leaving the house empty nothing will happen, it’s certainly a risk.

Quality security installations at home or at your business premises is one of the most ideal ways to secure your property. You can choose traditional CCTV systems, remote monitoring that works with your WiFi, and fully monitored systems. While alarms and their sensors may have once been ugly, yet necessary, additions inside and out they’re actually now much more modern, designed to be stylish, much more subtle and much more intelligent.

Prime time for burglaries is between 10am and 3pm

Whilst many burglaries do take place at night under the cover of darkness, it seems pretty obvious that the majority of homeowners leave the house unoccupied between 10am to 3pm due to work schedules. There are some tell-tale signs that you can pick up on to know if your home may be being cased by burglars at a time when you go to work.

Strangers wandering seemingly aimlessly around your neighbourhood may raise eyebrows. People walking or running up and down the same roads can be also casing properties in the area.

You’re receiving more flyers and leaflets – this generally allows them closer to the house to ‘sniff’ about – CCTV that focuses on your letterbox and the people delivering to your door are useful.

Door to door callers who will pose as anyone including the police, charities, salespersons – this is where external cameras can provide evidence of anyone knocking or hanging around. Knocking on your door for unlikely problems – asking to use the toilet, or telling you their car has broken down, or a runner requesting a glass of water. Politely direct them to somewhere with a toilet, a shop, or a phone they can ask to use. Cars that are unfamiliar and appear to prowl or hang around will certainly raise suspicions.

Criminals will sometimes knock hoping to find the house is empty. If you have had a few of these, or your neighbours have, that give a random excuse like asking for directions or my dog’s gone missing they may be potential thieves.

Perhaps the most unsettling ways you are being targeted is if your house has been marked. Groups of burglars work together by canvassing houses and leaving seemingly random signals to notify the rest of the group whether or not homes are easy targets. The best defence and deterrent against burglars is a home alarm system, so if you are looking to protect your home or business, then installing CCTV or similar systems are a top option. You can also join your local neighbourhood watch if you have one. Always make a note of any strange behaviours. You may also wish to contact your local community police officers to record unusual activity but remember to call them via 101 and only use 999 in a real emergency.