Home Security

According to a recent survey, people are bolstering their home security measures this winter. The research, part of the Brighter Britain Report, involved 1,000 adults living in the UK and was carried out by lighting supplier LED Hut.

It reveals that one in four people feel nervous about the security of their property if they are out for the evening or away from home. While one in five confessed to feeling nervous or insecure in their own property, when home alone.

The research also found that one person in 10 has a friend or family member who has been burgled. The survey asked about the measures they are taking to secure their homes and found that lighting is playing a central role.

97 per cent of people say they use some form of lighting as a security measure in their property. Leaving the lights on and leaving the lights on a timer are both tactics that lead intruders to believe the house is occupied, so are popular choices.

Rita Tinney, Keats Groups Sales and Lettings Director explains that landlords and tenants have a joint responsibility for the security of a rental property and commented:

“A good landlord will always ensure that the rental home is fitted with the correct mortice locks and not merely rely on a standard Yale key entry method.

“During a tenancy the tenants must accept responsibility for their own safety and ensure that they securely lock all doors and close and lock all windows.

“At Keats Letting, we agree that timed lighting is a great deterrent however if you are going away for longer than a few days, ask a friend or neighbour to collect and keep any post for your return. Nothing screams ‘no-one’s home’ louder than a visible pile of un-opened post!”

Paul Garner, marketing director at LED Hut, said: “Keeping your home secure doesn’t need to cost the earth. Security lights are a relatively small investment that could scare off an intruder from breaking into the home. Simple tactics such as leaving lights on when you go out, are also likely to help.

“Those who have serious security concerns should look to invest in an alarm system and or CCTV in a bid to keep their homes extra secure.”