While far-flung holidays, island-hopping adventures and summers in the sun-drenched countries of the Mediterranean are a welcome way to spend warmer months for many people, there’s a very important aspect to consider while you post all of your enviable photos on social media, and that’s home security.
Of course, it may not make a difference if you post your exotic whereabouts online or not as those looking to cause havoc on your home may be seeking an opportunistic moment to break into your abode anyway, but there are a few ways that you can try and prevent this from occurring.
You might think that crime rates are higher under the cloak of winter darkness, but summer is a season that certainly needs our attention when it comes to personal safety and home security. Violent crime rates reportedly increase by 14 per cent when the mercury rises above 20°C, as people become increasingly frustrated and aggressive in hot weather, but getting hot under the collar is only part of the problem.
Summer brings with it a whole host of opportunities for would-be criminals, making investing in home CCTV essential if you’re going to keep your property safe, both while you’re away and at home.
Here, we take a look at what’s different in summer and why CCTV is a must.
Increased opportunity
With more people out and about enjoying the warmer weather, it’s natural to think this would make it harder to commit a crime. In reality, though, we tend to let our guard down during the summer, which reduces the chance of spotting potential wrongdoing. Someone out for a walk late at night in the dark may attract suspicion, but late at night on a glorious summer evening? It’s unlikely to even register.
It’s also a known fact that we’re tempted to drink more in the sunshine, lowering our perception of risk and reducing awareness. Did you remember to lock the shed when you cleared the barbecue away? Outside noises are more commonplace too – kids out playing, people gardening – making neighbours less likely to register any sounds of a disturbance.
All the defences we usually rely on to protect our property are down, making the constant reliability of CCTV a valuable addition to home security.
Open windows and doors
Summer is a time to chill out and it seems this relaxed vibe has a knock-on effect on home security.
Open doors and windows are commonplace, with windows often left ajar during the night in an attempt to cool down while the summer heat penetrates our homes. This might make sleeping in the heat easier, but it also provides access to criminals looking for an easy way in.
More holidays
During the summer months, properties spend much more time empty, as mentioned above, where we enjoy holidays abroad, meaning that streets can have far fewer residents about to keep an eye on things. With less chance of being spotted, crime rates can soar – but home CCTV can prevent this. Putting a watchful eye in place 24/7 and greatly reducing the risk of having property stolen or your home being broken into, CCTV is an essential home security item in keeping you and your home safe.
Natural light
There’s a mistaken belief that increased daylight hours increase safety, unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Yes, there are fewer opportunities to lurk in shadows and hide, but in reality, we’re far less suspicious of people moving about in the daylight, even if it’s late in the evening.
In addition to this, with more natural light, would-be thieves have a clear view – with no need to risk attracting attention with flashes of torchlight.
How can home CCTV help?
Cameras are a visible deterrent, and according to the College of Policing, CCTV can help to reduce the risk of criminal activity by up to 34 per cent.
With home CCTV, no matter how long you leave the patio door open, the upstairs windows ajar, or your home unattended while on holiday, there’s always someone on watch – especially if you have a camera feed straight to your phone – and nothing’s more off-putting for opportunistic thieves.
Whatever the season, you can’t argue with the facts, so why not speak to home CCTV installation specialists, such as those at First Choice Cabling, about protecting your home? Don’t put it off until a break-in happens – install CCTV today, prevent it from occurring and relax and enjoy your summer, stress-free.
