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Beware, Christmas is approaching. It’s a time of year for family, merriment and presents, sure. But it’s also the time of year when filthy animals have been known to scout neighbourhoods in search of empty homes to target.
Without topnotch home security, like the kind available at ElectricalDirect, you might come home to find all the water running (every legendary thief needs a calling card), and all your topflight goods stolen by (presumably) wet bandits.
If you want to ensure your home is extra secure and ready for Christmas, it may be time to take your security to Kevin McCallister levels.
With our brand new Home Alone inspired home security kit, you’ll be able to do just that.
Depth
220
Width
440
Height
210
Home burglaries have increased by 26% in England & Wales over the past five years - those bandits have been busy.
Of reported crimes in the year ending June 2020, 5% were domestic burglaries (246,880), however, we have no data on how many of those were foiled by resourceful children.
In December (29,542- Dec 2019) the burglary rates are, on average, slightly lower than other winter months. But this lull in break-ins shouldn’t ease families into a false sense of security. Come January there is usually a spike in burglaries (31,718-Jan 2020) meaning many unfortunate folks can kiss those newly gifted Christmas goodies goodbye!
Although it looks as if lockdown kept the burglars at bay for a large portion of 2020, the numbers dropping to 19,011 in April 2020 compared to 32,112 in April 2019 - burglaries have been on the rise once more. There has already been a 18% increase between May and September of this year, suggesting worse is on its way as the winter months roll in.
There is some good news though, UK burglaries had decreased by 11% between 2018 and 2019.
This may be due to the availability and advancements of smart security for the home. Google searches for 'smart security' related keywords have increased by 19% over the last 12 months alone. Specific terms that have increased include 'smart security cameras' (+30%), ' smart outdoor cameras' (+39%) and 'video ring doorbell' (+233%).
This suggests that UK residents are researching and investing in better smart security solutions for their homes.
76% of burglars entered through the front door*
*Between April 2019–March 2020
The most popular method for breaking in is simply walking through the front door, with 76% of burglaries between April 2019-March 2020 gaining access that way. And this percentage is expected to rise further in 2020 with many of us working in makeshift bedroom offices due to lockdown. Physically being in the house makes people feel secure enough to leave their doors unlocked or just unguarded, making this entry an easy target for happy-go-lucky thieves.
Unlike the wet bandits who tried their luck going in the back of the McCallister’s house, there has been a 7% increase in front of house entry in 2020 vs 2010. Interestingly, there has also been a 4% increase in cases where thieves gained entry with a key, meaning it may be time to change the locks.
Method of Entry | % of burglaries between Apr ’19 – March ‘20 |
---|---|
Door | 76% |
Door was not locked | 24% |
Forced lock | 24% |
Window | 22% |
They had a key | 10% |
Broke/cut panel of door | 9% |
Window open/pushed open | 8% |
Pushed past homeowner | 7% |
Broke/cut glass | 7% |
Forced window lock/catch | 7% |
False pretences | 3% |
Regions that showed the greatest increase in burglaries between 2015 and 2020 are the South East (+60%), with Hampshire experiencing a shocking 90% rise in burglaries and Surrey not far behind with 84%.
The North East is also on the up (+56%), with Durham showing a 108% increase in domestic burglaries.
Again, data on the amount of homes burglarised in which the thieves left the water running is unknown.
Places that have become safer in regards to burglaries include Devon and Cornwall, whose domestic burglaries have decreased by 22%.
The average cost of the stolen goods in 2020 was £2,856. This is an 89% increase over the last decade, with the most coveted items being jewellery and watches.
As if having your valuables stolen wasn’t bad enough, the thieves are also causing 116% more damage (£1,413) than they did in 2010.
The Home Alone Inspired Security Kit is more than likely the only security you will need to protect your house this Christmas, but if you want some extra assurance that your home is safe from burglars, browse our extensive range of security solutions.