Last Sunday marked the start of darker evenings. By late afternoon, it is already getting dark and by five o'clock, most of the streets are completely dark. And for a potential intruder, a property without any lights on at that hour provides valuable information: there is probably nobody home.
This is why autumn and winter evenings become critical when it comes to home security measures. It's not about the increased number of burglars – it’s about limiting their chances. Darkness however does gives them better opportunities and boundaries are always the first thing to separate a stranger on the street from the property. So what can be done? Read on to get our thoughts…
Why Darkness Is Helpful to an Intruder
Firstly, it offers the perfect camouflage. And for this reason - it becomes harder to see what the intruders are doing in the front garden or back alley. And this is because there will not be the same amount of surveillance from the street and surrounding windows as there would be during the bright daylight. Secondly, it reduces the number of people around who might notice suspicious behaviour.
The opportunistic burglar will always pick the easiest way out, in the shortest possible time. They would hardly ever come up with a complex scheme. And will simply see a darkened house, an open side gate, or an easily crossed boundary and use the opportunity.
How Gates and Boundaries Help
Of course, neither a gate nor a boundary will secure the property from burglaries completely. However, it increases the amount of time, energy and noise, which the burglars will have to spend to enter the property. Moreover, it signals that somebody takes care of the property, which is a very important signal for a person looking for the easiest targets.
Side accesses are the main place, where all this matters. Rear boundaries and side accesses are usually the least monitored areas of the property and this is where about a third of all burglaries occur.
5 Things to Do Before It Gets Cold
Is it locked, not just latched? Latch keeps a gate closed while lock keeps it shut. Side and rear gates should be locked whenever the residents are out or before they go to sleep.
Can the gate be lifted off? Gates attached to the hinges can be lifted off once the lock was bypassed. Pay attention to how it is attached.
Wheelie bins, garden furniture, trellis, low sheds and stacked logs next to the boundary provide additional means of climbing over it. Simply just move them away or pop them in the shed if you can.
Are the posts and fixings in good condition? Loose hinges, gaps below the panels and rotten posts compromise the boundary. Winter weather may cause minor defects to grow into a major issue.
Winter is a great time for a more comprehensive review of the boundary and other security measures. Since the plants are cut back and the leaves fall off, it becomes possible to see the places to hide and weak spots of the boundary.
Layering, Not a Single Measure
Home security system works layer by layer. No one measure will cope with the task of protecting your home on its own. The boundary delays and defines. Lighting eliminates the hiding places. Timers and other signs of occupancy will show that somebody is at home even if it is empty. Finally, the points of access are being protected.
In some cases, such as patio doors, French windows, garage doors and side gates, when the installation of the fixed gate is impracticable, you may consider retractable security gates. Retractable security gates fold and store away in order not to spoil the looks of the property when not in use and are independently certified. In some cases, they can be considered a solution for securing the point of access where the usual gate is not applicable. Our range of driveway gates, and retractable security gates is available to you. View our range here and keep your property protected better and limit the chances of those potential intruders.
