Warmer weather often means open windows, unlocked garden doors, time spent outside and summer holidays. While these are all things to enjoy, they can also create easy opportunities for burglars if basic home security is overlooked.
At MES Systems, we help homeowners protect their properties with reliable intruder alarms, CCTV, safes, and ongoing support. However, some of the most effective security measures start with simple everyday habits.
Here are our practical summer burglary prevention tips for homeowners.
Why homes can be more vulnerable in summer
During the summer months, homes can become more vulnerable because people naturally spend more time outdoors and may leave parts of the property unsecured.
Common risks include:
- Front doors left unlocked while people are in the garden
- Windows left open in warm weather
- Small windows left open while the house is empty
- Valuables left near open windows or doors
- Sheds and garages left unlocked
- Tools, ladders or garden equipment left outside
- Homes appearing empty while the owners are away
The good news is that many of these risks can be reduced with a few sensible checks.
Keep doors and windows secure
Open windows and doors are one of the easiest ways for someone to gain access to your home.
Before leaving the house, going to bed or spending time in the back garden, check that:
- Front and side doors are locked
- Ground-floor windows are closed and secure
- Small windows are not left open when the home is empty
- Patio doors and bi-fold doors are properly locked
- Side gates are secured
- Keys are not left near doors, windows, letterboxes or cat flaps where they can be ‘fished’ or ‘hooked’ out
If you want to leave windows open while sleeping, consider using window restrictors where appropriate. You should also check that any locks on UPVC doors are fully secured with a key.
Be careful when you are in the garden
Many people assume their home is safe because they are nearby in the garden. Unfortunately, it only takes a few seconds for someone to enter through an unlocked front door or take items from near an open window.
If you are spending time outside, make sure the front of the property is still secure. Keep handbags, wallets, keys, phones and laptops away from doors and windows.
Keep valuables out of sight
Avoid leaving valuable items where they can be seen from outside. It is also worth keeping important documents and high-value items in a suitable safe, particularly if they are difficult to replace.
Secure sheds, garages and garden equipment
Sheds and garages are often targeted because they can contain valuable items and tools that could be used to force entry into the home.
To improve shed and garage security:
- Use good-quality locks
- Keep bikes, lawnmowers and tools locked away
- Do not leave ladders or garden tools outside
- Consider using tamper-resistant screws or bolts on shed doors
- Fit security lighting near sheds, garages and side access points
- Consider a shed alarm or linking outbuildings to your main home security system where possible
If your shed has windows, consider using a grille or other suitable protection to make it harder for someone to access the contents.
Improve garden and perimeter security
Your garden can play an important part in home security. Simple steps can help make your property less attractive to opportunistic burglars.
Consider:
- Locking side gates
- Keeping fences in good repair
- Cutting back overgrown plants that could provide hiding places
- Using gravel on paths or driveways to make movement more noticeable
- Installing external lighting around dark areas
The aim is to make it harder for someone to approach your property unnoticed.
Going away on holiday?
If you are going away this summer, try to make your home look occupied.
Before you leave:
- Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to check the property
- Ask someone to collect post or move bins
- Use timer switches or smart lighting
- Avoid leaving curtains closed for the whole time you are away
- Cut lawns and trim plants before you travel
- Cancel regular deliveries
- Store tools, ladders and garden equipment securely
- Check all doors, windows, sheds and garages are locked
- Set your intruder alarm
- Check your CCTV is working
- Make sure keyholders are up to date
It is also important not to advertise your holiday online. Avoid posting live updates, airport photos or travel dates on social media.
How alarms and CCTV can help
Good habits are important, but a professionally designed security system can provide an additional layer of protection.
A home intruder alarm can help detect unauthorised access and alert you, your keyholders or a monitoring centre, depending on your system.
CCTV can also act as a visible deterrent and help you monitor key areas around your property, such as driveways, entrances, gardens and outbuildings. Depending on the system, you may also be able to view footage remotely through a smartphone app.
Do not forget maintenance
If you already have an alarm or CCTV system, make sure it is working properly before you rely on it.
Check:
- Your alarm sets and unsets correctly
- Sensors are working as expected
- External sounders are visible and functioning
- CCTV cameras are clean and recording properly
- Remote access apps are working
- Keyholder details are up to date
- Any servicing or maintenance is up to date
Summer home security checklist
Use this quick checklist before going away or during warmer weather:
- Lock doors and windows when leaving the house
- Secure the front of the property when you are in the garden
- Keep valuables and keys out of sight
- Lock sheds, garages and side gates
- Store tools and ladders securely
- Use lighting around dark access points
- Cut back plants that create hiding places
- Set your intruder alarm
- Check your CCTV is working
- Avoid posting live holiday updates online
- Ask someone trusted to check the property while you are away
Need advice on improving your home security?
Every home is different. The right security measures will depend on your property, lifestyle, budget and any insurance requirements you may have.
At MES Systems, we install and maintain home intruder alarms, CCTV, safes and security solutions across Nuneaton, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands.
