VIDEO: How to keep your home safe this summer

Working in partnership with its security sponsor Avocet Hardware, Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network is urging householders to #stayABSsafe this summer by launching the #ABSsummerlockin campaign to coincide with the school summer holidays – a time of year that sees a 10 per cent increase in domestic burglaries and 40 per cent increase in outdoor thefts.

The office for National Statistics latest crime survey for England and Wales reports 92 per cent of all domestic burglary in a dwelling is committed through the front and back door, 52 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

Furthermore, the report highlights one quarter of all burglaries are the result of forcing the lock or lock snapping as it’s more commonly known – a growing trend directly related to the increase use of uPVC and other double glazed doors.

Jim Maddan, chairman of the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network, said: “The school holidays is a busy time for burglars as many houses are left empty when people head off for a getaway. Throw in the light nights and warmer weather and it’s no wonder there is an increase in break-ins.

“We want people to enjoy their summer holidays without worrying about their home, which is why we have joined with Avocet to let people know that fitting a proper anti-snap lock is a really effective way to help stop a burglar gaining access to your property.”

Clive Lloyd, managing director of Avocet Hardware, said: “The rise in lock snapping is directly related to the increased use of uPVC and other double glazed doors, which can be found in millions of homes around the UK. By and large, these doors are fitted with a standard Euro cylinder lock that can be snapped and removed in a matter of seconds using nothing more than simple DIY tools.

“The ABS Snap Secure Lock is the only lock available with a patented snap secure technology, which will effectively lock the central cam in place. The ABS snap secure technology totally blocks access to the door bolt mechanism inside the lock case to effectively combat a snap attack.”

For further information and updates on #ABSsummerlockin follow Twitter @N_Watch and @avocetabs. To stay up to date on Avocet news and competitions join its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/abs.secure.

The Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network is also advising people to get to know their neighbours in a bid to lessen the chance of a burglary at their home.

Recent research by Admiral home insurance shows only one in three people in the South East make an effort to get to know their neighbours when they move house and 48 per cent don’t tell nearby homeowners when they’re going on holiday.

The growing concern is that a lack of neighbourly communication could pose a security risk to residents’ homes this summer.

Jim Maddan said: “Neighbourliness seems to have slipped down the agenda in our busy lives, and this important survey has highlighted the issues.

“At this time of year when we are often away on holiday, it is vitally important that we share our plans with our neighbours, if only to ask them to feed the pets, water the plants or to make the house look lived-in.

“In this way burglaries can be prevented and we can do each other a good turn.”

The student undertaken by Admiral suggests 69 per cent of people wouldn’t trust their next-door neighbour with a key to their house while they’re away. However, 45 per cent of people said they would go and investigate if they saw something suspicious happening in their neighbour’s property,

Joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme is completely free and has been proven to reduce your chance of getting burgled. For further information and home security safety advice visit the Neighbourhood and Home Watch website at www.ourwatch.org.uk.

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