Winter home security tips ahead of anticipated rise in burglaries

In the last 12 months there have been over 9,000 burglaries in Ireland according to the CSO September 2023 data. So, it is understandable that our recent research with Bounce Insights, July 2023 outlines that 56% of people surveyed are more conscious of the risk of burglaries now than they were 12 months ago.

As the evenings become darker, we are more aware of being alone at home and feeling vulnerable. Research also revealed that 58% of people feel less safe in their homes during the winter months and 64% feel less safe during the night.

The winter months are notorious for increased rates in burglary; indeed, the research indicates that burglaries increase by almost 20% in winter months, with nearly half of these burglaries occurring between 5pm and 11pm.

However, we can take actions to drastically reduce the likelihood of experiencing a burglary by implementing adequate home security measures.

Keep doors locked and windows closed when you are not at home: One in four burglaries happen due to entry through an open door or window. If you have school going kids, we have created a safety rules at home guide to keep your family safe during school periods.

It's important to keep all entry points to your home protected 24/7 all year round but especially during the winter months. According to statistics from the Gardai, burglars commonly target back doors (26%), back windows (24%) and front windows (8%), with one in five cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window. In some cases, burglars are aware of people’s schedules within the community but if you safeguard your home with adequate security measures like installing a monitored alarm, they know they won’t be able to get into your home without an alarm activating and alarm receiving centre team promptly reviewing the incident and alerting the Gardaí.

Marguerite Cotter, Marketing Director of PhoneWatch, outlined “It’s reassuring to note that national burglary rate has decreased in the last 12 months (from July 2022 to June 2023). However, we can’t become complacent, it is important to remain vigilant when it comes to home security. Even one burglary is one too many. At PhoneWatch we know from speaking to new customers how traumatizing a burglary can be for the homeowner. We want to remind all homeowners to take simple but necessary steps to help avoid the trauma of a burglary in their home.  This is especially important in these darker evenings as winter sets in when typically burglary rates are known to increase.”

PhoneWatch’s aim is to ensure people always feel safe in their homes and so we have devised six simple winter home security tips for you to implement to ensure your home and everyone inside is protected.

• Lock windows and doors: Always ensure your front and back doors are locked and windows shut. Also, secure garden sheds and your vehicles. Consider adding door and window shock sensors to protect against these being an entry point.
• Secure your house keys: Don’t leave house keys outside, instead ensure your neighbour has a spare set of keys for emergencies. With PhoneWatch keytags your chosen family members and neighbours can arm and disarm your alarm without an alarm code.
• Leave a light on: Make sure your home is well lit up. You could invest in smart plugs and turn on lights via a home security app to make it appear as if you are in your home, especially during the night-time.
• Safeguard your valuables: Never leave car keys, cash, jewellery or any valuable items openly on display.
• Ask a neighbour: If you are away from your home for several days, ask a neighbour to take out your bins and bring in your post, so that it doesn’t pile up outside and look as if there is nobody home.
• Get an alarm and use it: Having a monitored alarm system is an excellent way to protect your home, it acts as a strong deterrent to potential burglars and provides peace of mind of knowing that your home is being protected 24/7. PhoneWatch’s home security system protects you against burglary and smoke incidents and we respond to all alarm activations within 15 seconds. It is proven that you are 4 times less likely to be burgled with a PhoneWatch monitored alarm system (compared to having no alarm), according to data from the CSO recorded crime statistics September 2023 and PhoneWatch Alarm Receiving Centre Data.

If you are interested in improving your home safety further, PhoneWatch offer a number of home safety solutions. Browse our website to see the range of different home security products and services available including home alarms, fire & smoke alarms, smart home products, water leak detectors and more.