27% rise in household theft – 5 ways to protect your home

Theft from outside homes is on the rise, driving a 27% increase in other household theft to around 833,000 incidents, according to new ONS figures.

With evenings getting darker, Yale is reminding households to check their home security — particularly if they're heading away over October half term.

Recent Yale research found that 27% of Brits have left windows open when out, 16% have hidden a spare key outside, and 12% have left keys in the front door on the outside. A further 10% have left their home completely unsecured when out, while 7% regularly forget to set their burglar alarm.

Yale's home-security expert Wayne Kennedy has identified five simple home-security tips to help Brits secure their homes as the evenings get darker – from checking doors and windows, to securing sheds and side access before going away.

His practical advice is below, alongside an infographic and lifestyle images linked here. 

Five home security tips from Wayne Kennedy, Head of Smart Products at Yale UK: 

1. Do a final check of doors and windows
   "Before you leave, take a quick look around the house to make sure every door is locked and every window is closed and secured. It's easy to miss a window in a room you haven't used that day."

2. Keep spare keys secure
   "Avoid hiding a spare key outside or leaving one in view of your door. If you sometimes worry you've left the door unlocked, a smart lock will let you check your lock's status and lock it remotely. Choose one that's compatible with your door, and ensure the door is properly closed."

3. Make setting the alarm part of your leaving routine
   "Remember to arm your alarm, and positioning motion sensors to cover the areas you want to protect and using door/window contacts on all main entry points."

4. Make your home look lived in
   "Timer switches can turn lights on in the evening while you're out. You could also ask a neighbour to collect post or move the bins, so the house doesn't look obviously empty."

5. Secure sheds, garages and side access before going away
   "If you're heading away over October half term, remember to lock side gates, sheds and garages as well as the house, and put away ladders and tools. A video doorbell or security camera positioned to cover an entrance can also help you keep an eye on activity whilst you're away."