There’s a 20% increase in home burglaries during winter. Pic: Brendan Hunter/iStockPhoto
October is National Home Security Month, billed as an opportunity to educate the public about the best way to protect homes as the dark winter months set in.
Key supporters of National Home Security Month include the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), Yale, Union Assa Abloy, Mul-T-Lock, SmartWater, Secured By Design and a number of national and regional locksmiths and DIY shops.
Now in its second year, this national initiative aims to highlight ways in which the public can keep their homes and families safe, and provides advice through its website, www.homesecuritymonth.com, where users can also register for a newsletter providing security information.
The scheme provides tips on securing doors and windows, protecting outbuildings and using safes to guard valuables, as well as advising householders on burglar alarms and hi-tech security measures.
Dr Steffan George, development director for the Master Locksmiths Association, said: “We are delighted to again be backing National Home Security Month, following a successful launch of the initiative in 2013. As an organisation deeply invested in home security we’re keen to encourage the public to make this a priority all year round, but NHSM provides a great opportunity to reinforce this message and make everyone aware of the security risks that come with the clocks going back and the nights drawing in.
“Of course, we always recommend that homeowners, tenants and landlords use a local, third-party accredited locksmith, such as an MLA member, to undertake security reviews and upgrades.” The MLA maintains an index of MLA-licensed locksmiths which is fully searchable by region and postcode on its website, www.locksmiths.co.uk.
Each week will see National Home Security Month focus on a different aspect of home security:
- Week commencing 6th October focuses on securing doors and windows ready for the darker months, ensuring that door hardware meets British Standards
- Week commencing 13th October is aimed at protecting valuables, informing consumers about the technologies and products available to better protect their most valuable possessions
- Week commencing 20th October concentrates on outdoor security and tips for securing sheds, garages and even motorhomes and caravans
- Week commencing 27th October rounds off NHSM with a focus on FutureHome security – modern methods of securing a property including CCTV that can be linked to smart phones and tablets, digital door viewers and digital door locks
David Herbert, Head of Marketing at Yale, commented: “Now in its second year, National Home Security Month has once again attracted support from a number of big names including the Master Locksmiths Association, as well as industry bodies, locksmiths and the media.
“Running throughout October and with a different aspect of home security being highlighted each week, we hope that NHSM will further raise awareness of security risks and ways of protecting your property, driving demand for locksmith services throughout the autumn and winter.”
Organisations and businesses that sign up to support National Home Security Month will be given access to a secure part of the website, where they can view a range of promotional materials including posters, window stickers and social media content.
