As you’ll have noticed, the clocks went back on Saturday in the UK and, all of a sudden, it’s getting dark a whole lot earlier. We want to look at how this affects the crime rate, as well as what we as individuals can do to better combat the seasonal spike in crime, from light switch timers to alternative security systems.
Why does crime spike in the UK after the clocks go back?
Statistics have shown that the amount of burglaries committed in the UK rises by 28% in the week between Halloween and Bonfire Night. This is because burglaries are committed far more often in the evening than in the morning, which means that the extra hour of darkness caused by the clocks changing merely provides burglars with an extra hour’s opportunity to act under the cover of darkness.
Statistics released by Aviva have declared Bonfire Night as the day of the year when you are most likely to be broken into. The number of burglary claims that they receive for the 5th November is 28% higher than the average for the rest of the year. This is because, in addition to the darker evenings, burglars are able to use the noise of the fireworks to cover the sound of any smashing or banging involved in the break-in, all whilst safe in the knowledge that the family will probably be out. Why? They’ll be at the local firework display.
What can we do to protect our homes during crime season?
Unfortunately, cuts in police funding are meaning that the police are becoming less and less able to respond to burglary calls and homeowners are being forced to take matters into their own hands when it comes to residential security. There are a number of things that you can do to protect your home from the seasonal spike in crime, from smaller measures taken on the night itself, to pre-planned home security installments.
Why does crime spike in the UK after the clocks go back?
Statistics have shown that the amount of burglaries committed in the UK rises by 28% in the week between Halloween and Bonfire Night. This is because burglaries are committed far more often in the evening than in the morning, which means that the extra hour of darkness caused by the clocks changing merely provides burglars with an extra hour’s opportunity to act under the cover of darkness.
Statistics released by Aviva have declared Bonfire Night as the day of the year when you are most likely to be broken into. The number of burglary claims that they receive for the 5th November is 28% higher than the average for the rest of the year. This is because, in addition to the darker evenings, burglars are able to use the noise of the fireworks to cover the sound of any smashing or banging involved in the break-in, all whilst safe in the knowledge that the family will probably be out. Why? They’ll be at the local firework display.
What can we do to protect our homes during crime season?
Unfortunately, cuts in police funding are meaning that the police are becoming less and less able to respond to burglary calls and homeowners are being forced to take matters into their own hands when it comes to residential security. There are a number of things that you can do to protect your home from the seasonal spike in crime, from smaller measures taken on the night itself, to pre-planned home security installments.
- Keep your valuables out of sight. It probably goes without saying, but if you leave your valuables somewhere that allows them to be spotted through windows, burglars are going to be encouraged to come and grab them.
- Put your lights on a timer when you go out. Using a timer to ensure your lights turn on as it gets dark will deter burglars, because they’ll think that you’re still home. Another good trick is to leave the radio on, giving the impression to anyone listening that there’s people in the house.
- Keep your wheelie bin stowed away when it’s not in use. Burglars use wheelie bins to break into properties, as they’re good to climb on when aiming for high windows. Keeping your wheelie bin stowed away when it’s not in use removes the thief’s ability to do this.
- Install a SmokeCloak security system. We’re all guilty of ignoring our neighbour’s burglar alarm when it goes off, because it so often turns out to be a false alarm. This means that, if the crime spike does see your home broken into, a simple burglar alarm just won’t do the job. SmokeCloak deploys a cloud of smoke as soon as it’s triggered, meaning that the burglar can’t see a thing, which makes it impossible to steal anything. SmokeCloak also works as a deterrent, so it stops the break-in happening in the first place.
SmokeCloak UK – The Perfect Alternative Security Solution
To find out about getting a SmokeCloak security solution installed on your property, contact us today.
To find out about getting a SmokeCloak security solution installed on your property, contact us today.