Post-Pandemic Burglary Bounce Expected

Burglaries were down 24% across England and Wales in 2020 when compared with the previous year according to the Office for National Statistics. It’s a double-edged sword for homeowners though, as experts are predicting the figure will rise this year alongside restrictions lifting.

The numerous lockdowns last year are listed as the driving factor in the reduction of burglaries, with crime down in general. More people staying at home spelt less opportunity for thieves it seems, but some experts predict that this figure will creep up as we move out of restrictions and more people start to leave their homes unattended.

Marc Sebo, Managing Director at Doormatic Garage Doors, says he’s already seen a steady rise in enquiries about better locking systems for doors and garages this year: ‘The drop in crime has been good news for homeowners, but burglars are no doubt waiting for people to start going out more again - whether it’s for work or to meet friends and family in the evenings at and weekends.

 
However, I think people are sensible. Our customers are aware that it’s been a strange year and now they’re looking to bolster security at home, which obviously means securing entry points, and that’s where we’ve been able to help.’

When is your home most vulnerable?

The ONS also published data for the year 2019/20 detailing what time of the day homes are most vulnerable and the most likely method of entry. The data shows that thieves are most likely to strike during the week - usually between the hours of 6pm and 6am - but with 38% of domestic burglaries still occurring during daylight hours.

Meanwhile, the favoured method of entry was through a door, with the top three approaches being ‘Forced lock’, ‘Door was not locked’ and ‘Broke/cut panel of door’.
These shocking statistics outline why it’s more important than ever for homeowners to think about upgrading their doors and locks.

 
Protecting your home

To help you protect your home, here are three top tips from the experts at Doormatic:

House doors - Ensure these are in good condition and have the latest locking technology to provide the best defence against burglars. Only doors made from strong and robust materials will help stand up to force - the same applies for your door frame. Older, weaker doors are likely to be targeted over newer, stronger ones.

Garage doors - Whether your garage has access to your home or not, it’s usually a key place to store possessions. Many people are reluctant to replace old garage doors but this makes them vulnerable to being broken into. The latest garage doors will come with better locking technology and can even be automated for smooth, secure access.

Keep it locked - Never leave your doors unlocked, whether it’s the front door, the back door or the garage door. Opportunistic thieves will always try their luck, even if they think people might be home, so don’t give them any easy access to your property - always check you’ve locked up properly before leaving home.

Doormatic Garage Doors have over 20 years of experience and work with some of the leading manufacturers when it comes to front doors and garage doors for homes. 

Deploying the latest locking technology as well as professional fitting, their team can help you to secure your home this year as we move out of lockdown restrictions. They cover Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and London with quick turnaround times.

www.doormaticgaragedoors.co.uk

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