‘I’m a security expert, keep presents away from doors this Christmas’

Christmas is a time for celebration, joy, and giving – however it could also be the prime time for opportunistic burglars.

Home security experts from Everest have urged Brits to be extra cautious about making themselves an easy target for burglary this Christmas, as well as sharing their top tips for a safer Christmas – and don’t worry, you won’t have to construct any Kevin McCallister-esque contraptions.

There are over 20,000 burglaries each December in the UK according to Police data, and Everest’s home security expert has warned homeowners against the allure of beautifully wrapped presents visible to would-be-Christmas-stealing-Grinches through patio doors.

Everest’s home security expert Anthony Threlfall says: “Burglary is a horribly intrusive crime at any time of year, but perhaps made even worse due to the time of year and if a family’s gifts are stolen just a few days before Christmas, leaving everyone, especially the children devastated.”

Fortunately, there are some quick, easy, and cost-effective security measures everyone can take this Christmas to ensure that it remains the most wonderful time of the year.

Everest Home Security expert Anthony Threlfall’s top security tips are:

Don’t make it tempting

Visible gifts near windows and doors can tempt opportunist burglars, so it is advisable to keep presents away from them.

Anthony Threlfall says: “Whilst getting in the festive spirit and piling up presents around the tree makes everyone feel excited in advance of the big day, it also presents a critical security risk. 

“Try to keep presents away from any windows and doors until at least 48 hours before Christmas to limit the opportunist threat, especially if there is nobody at home for extended periods of the day. And don’t forget, this basic security precaution costs nothing.”

Lock check

The locking system is the most fundamental part of your door’s security – if someone is trying to force entry into your home, they must get through your locks first.

Older uPVC doors with multi-point locking were once thought to be ultra-secure, but the cheaper euro cylinder locks are vulnerable to snapping, meaning burglars could hain entry in under 30 seconds.

If you have an older uPVC door or patio doors, it is worth checking the cylinder or getting a locksmith to check it is still in good working order.

Anthony says: “A Euro-lock cylinder should meet the following security criteria to make it much harder for an opportunist criminal to strike: BSI Kitemarked – TS007 3 Star Rating, Master Locksmiths Association – SS 312 3 Star Sold Secure Diamond

“Three star lock cylinders are designed to offer anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill protection and can be bought for between £20 and £50 from all major hardware stores and a quick instructional video will show you how to do this for yourself in about five minutes. So there’s no need to pay for an expensive locksmith”.

For an extra layer of security, you can look for a lock with a cylinder guard that adds additional security against snapping.

Install a letterbox cage

A favourite trick of thieves is to use a retractable rod to hook keys from hallway tables or key racks – not only can they gain access to your home in a few seconds, they can also have your car keys.

Anthony says: “Never leave keys on display anywhere in your home. If a burglar gains access to your house through a window, they can take your keys and gain entry through a door. Get into the habit of putting keys in a safe place.”

Purchasing a letterbox cage with a fishing guard will cover the back of the letterbox, meaning a burglar can’t see into the house or push a rod through the letterbox – it is important that your letterbox guard has a security standard of TS008.

Pet doors, such as cat flaps, shouldn’t be forgotten as they are another entrypoint would-be burglars can use to hook valuables. However, a dog is a pretty nifty anti-burglar device in itself.

A solid letterbox cage with a fishing guard is inexpensive and can be purchased from around £10 from all major hardware suppliers and takes a matter of minutes to fit.

Fit door chains

Door chains or restrictors are basic, nevertheless effective, security measures you can add to a front door at a minimal cost. However, rear doors are often overlooked.

Anthony says: “Burglaries don’t just happen at night with a break-in. There are many opportunist thieves who will target vulnerable and elderly people to gain access to a house.

“This October once the clocks changed and the evenings started setting in, we noticed a 51 percent increase in Google searches for distraction burglary. This is typically where someone knocks on the front door and an accomplice breaks in via the back. So we’d recommend people fit door chains at any door that can be accessed from the outside and the cost is very little. You just have to remember to use them”.

For more vulnerable people, a door chain also prevents anyone from pushing their way into your home when you answer the door.

Door chains should be tested and approved to TS003 standards and well-fitted into a solid wall using specialist security screws. The chain is essentially only as good as the fixings it uses.

For older uPVC doors you can purchase restrictors that fix into a wall and loop around the door handle.

Good quality door chains are available from around £5 from all major hardware retailers.