Homeowners issued 'do not' warning ahead of 'peak time' for burglaries this Christmas

With Christmas Day just around the corner, the festive season brings much joy and celebration - but it also marks a peak time for burglaries. A home is burgled every 173 seconds in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics, with the festivities attracting opportunistic thieves looking for easy targets.

Burglars often take advantage of inadequately secured homes, especially during busy times like Christmas. They are out looking for opportunities, targeting valuables like watches, jewellery, and car keys, which are often left within easy reach.

With 135 years of experience, ironmongers G Johns and Sons is committed to helping you protect your home during the festive season. They’ve now shared their expert tips to help homeowners protect their properties this Christmas and keep their loved ones safe.

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By taking simple steps, such as installing strong locks, setting up CCTV, reinforcing windows, you can make your home less appealing to thieves.

A spokesperson for G Johns says: "This Christmas, do not risk your home being targeted. Take action now to protect your property and enjoy the festivities with peace of mind. From understanding how burglars gain access to installing effective security measures like locks, CCTV, and letterbox guards, our advice can help keep homes safe during this vulnerable time of year."

According to the experts, most burglaries follow similar patterns, with thieves often exploiting vulnerabilities in doors and windows. In fact, 70 percent of burglars gain entry through a door, while 30 percent use a window.

Most break-ins, around 60 percent, occur during the evening and night, between 6pm and 6am, when homes are more likely to be left in darkness. Additionally, 70 percent of burglaries happen during the week, making it essential to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to secure your home, especially during busy weekdays and festive evenings.

While burglaries can happen anywhere, some areas are more frequently targeted than others. It has been revealed that for 2024, Hackney has the highest burglary rate in the UK, with 9.57 incidents per 1,000 people. Middlesbrough follows closely with 9.33 per 1,000, and Leeds ranks third with 8.86 per 1,000. These figures highlight the importance of staying vigilant and taking steps to secure your property, particularly in higher-risk areas.

How to burglar-proof your home

Here is G Johns and Sons' top tips for protecting your home over Christmas:

Insurance approved locks

Your front door is your first line of defence against burglars, and having the right front door locks is crucial to keeping your family, home, and possessions safe. Choosing high-quality, secure locks enhances your safety and plays a significant role when applying for home insurance. Insurers often ask about the type of locks on your doors and windows, and having insurance-approved front door locks can help you avoid higher premiums and ensure peace of mind.

Top tip: The best way to check if your door has an approved British Standards Institute (BSI) lock, is by looking at the face plate. The BSI lock will have a British Standard Kitemark symbol that almost looks like a heart, along with the standard number BS-3621.

Letterbox safety

You might think your home is well-secured with cameras, lights, and locks, but there’s one often overlooked vulnerability that many people neglect: the letterbox.

Letterbox burglary occurs when thieves use the letterbox to gain access to your property or steal items like car keys left near the door. This type of crime can also lead to identity theft, as burglars may steal sensitive mail, such as bills or bank statements, to apply for loans or commit fraud in your name. Protecting your letterbox is crucial in safeguarding your home and personal information.

Top tip: Installing a letterbox security cowl or guard is a great way to level up your home security. They obstruct the view from the outside and prevent manipulation of locks/bolts, tampering, and attacks from the outside.

CCTV cameras

What’s more unnerving for a burglar than being caught red-handed? Being caught red-handed on camera. Installing CCTV cameras around your property is one of the most effective ways to deter potential intruders.

If a burglar does attempt to breach your home, CCTV footage can serve as invaluable evidence. Not only does it assist the police in identifying the culprit, but it also helps them monitor criminal activity in your area, increasing the chances of recovery and prevention.

Top tip: Snow and ice can obscure camera lenses. Ensure that in the colder winter months, you are keeping up with the maintenance of your cameras.

Window defence

With 30 percent of burglars gaining entry through a window—whether by smashing the glass, breaking the lock, or simply climbing in - window security is just as crucial as locking your front door.

It might be time to reinforce your windows. Consider installing polycarbonate glass, which is far more resistant to break-ins than traditional glass. Don’t forget often-overlooked entry points like basement and attic windows, which can be prime targets for burglars.

Top Tip: Enhance your window security by adding extra window locks and night latches. Many standard window locks are inadequate and can be bypassed easily, so investing in additional locks provides an extra layer of protection against intruders.

Shed and outbuilding security

Sheds and outbuildings are often weak points in home security, as they tend to have flimsy locks or poorly reinforced doors, making them easy targets for burglars. Many of these structures contain valuable tools, equipment, or even bicycles—items thieves can use to aid in further breaking and entering.

Top Tip: Secure your shed with a strong, high-quality lock, and use a padlock with a hardened steel shackle for added protection. These locks are far more resistant to cutting or tampering, making it much harder for burglars to gain access.

Neighbourhood watch

In today’s fast-paced world, we often live close to our neighbours but may not know much about them. However, building positive relationships with those around you—especially the more observant neighbours across the street—can do more than foster a sense of community; it can significantly improve your home’s security.

Top tip: Many areas have neighbourhood WhatsApp groups or Facebook pages where residents can share updates and alerts about local events or crimes. If one doesn’t already exist, ask your neighbours if they'd be interested in starting one. Creating a group can help keep everyone informed and connected, enhancing safety and vigilance in the area.

Security lights

A dark, secluded garden hidden by overgrown hedges provides the perfect cover for burglars. To deter potential intruders, it’s crucial to ensure your property is well-lit, making it harder for thieves to approach or access your home unnoticed.

Installing security lights around your property is an effective way to keep burglars at bay. They signal that the house is occupied and make any intruder visible to you and your neighbours, increasing the likelihood of detection.

Top Tip: Motion sensor security lights are an excellent addition, as they instantly alert homeowners to movement. As soon as someone enters the sensor's range, the lights activate, providing an immediate visual warning and helping to deter burglars.