It’s that time of year when we fill our homes with expensive gifts, often under the Christmas Tree that we proudly display in our brightly lit front rooms for all to admire…including snoopers on the hunt for festive booty.
And while domestic burglaries in the UK and Wales have remained fairly static on an annual basis, in the three months running up to Christmas last year, both police recorded domestic burglaries and other burglaries rose by 4%* – and it’s set to be even higher this year as economic pressures hit home.
So now is also the time of year that homeowners need to step up home security.
But if investing in a burglar alarm system, or buying a fierce dog is not an option, a simple set of blinds has been sited as one of Britain’s frontline defences against burglary
The Home Office advice is “Don’t have things on view and try to look as though you’re in if you’re out.â€
“Blinds afford security from unwanted snoopers, by preventing intruders from peering in to see what they can grab quickly.
Research has shown that homes where items are on view are more vulnerable than those where window coverings are fitted,” says Gary Chambers of Apollo Blinds.
“Aluminium blinds also have the added benefit of being noisy – an added deterrent,†he added.
Julian Stanton of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) said: “There is undoubtedly a correlation between burglaries and recession, but just as at any time, sensible security measures will considerably reduce your chance of becoming a burglary victim.
In light of this, now is a good time for you to review your home security, just to be sure you are fully protected.â€
So if you want to show off your Christmas decorations this year, invite your friends in and keep your foes out!
To view the blind collections please visit the Apollo website.
Tel: (0800) 915 3030
*http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/statistics/statistics078.htm