It has often been said that winter is the time of year that burglars like the most, but householders should not be complacent just because that season is ending and spring is nearly here.
The reasons for winter being popular for burglars are obvious, with the dark nights making it easier to sneak around unseen and Christmas in particular offering rich pickings as house-breakers take their chance to steal presents, sometimes literally from under the tree.
How Can Burglars Take Advantage Of Spring?
However, even if you have not had burglar alarms installed before now, it is wise not to wait until next winter rolls around. That is because spring can bring a number of threats of its own to your property:
- Complacency
- Doors and windows being left open
- People going away for holidays in the spring
- Foliage can hide burglars
- Thefts of outdoor equipment
These issues may each be considered in turn.
Complacency is an obvious factor. If you assume that lighter evenings and a lack of Christmas presents or other goodies won’t attract burglars, you may be less vigilant and let your guard down.
Among the ways in which home security is more likely to be compromised in spring (and even more so in summer) is when windows can be left open without leaving you feeling cold.
If you forget to fully close your windows at night or when you go out, this can make it easier for someone to break in.
Will Your Home Be Secure When You Go Away On Holiday?
Holidays are another issue. One of the risks around Christmas is when people go away to visit relatives or are simply out for the evening to attend a festive party. Similarly, spring can be a popular time for trips away, such as the long Easter weekend or the school holidays.
The spring can be a very pleasant time to be in the garden as the flowers bloom and the green shoots sprout up. However, as plants spring to life, there is an increase in the amount of foliage around. In some gardens, this will provide cover for burglars to hide in.
As a result, this will mean that although they won’t be able to rely on the cover of darkness, they can exploit another means of hiding themselves.
Why Do You Need To Keep Your Outbuildings Secure?
Sunnier and warmer weather in spring also means people will get outside more, not least to do some gardening. However, this can create vulnerability as well, because many thefts do not involve breaking into homes, but stealing items left outside or breaking into outbuildings.
Indeed, even if you do put tools away in the shed or garage at the end of the day, you should be aware that these outbuildings need to be secure, as individuals prospecting for burglars may have spotted you using them, so they know they are there.
The same may apply to leisure items, such as bikes or sporting equipment, which you will be using more as the weather improves.
Research published by insurance firm Aviva in 2024 found that 29 per cent of Britons had experienced break-ins or attempted break-ins of this type.
None of this changes the fact that winter remains the highest risk period of burglaries, but it does go to show that, as the days get longer and you make seasonal adjustments to your lifestyle, you will still need to take steps to keep your property secure.
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