During the autumn and winter when it gets dark early, there tend to be more burglaries, especially in the run-up to Christmas[1]. In response, Independent Age, the older people’s charity, has launched a new, free advice guide to help older people and their families make their homes safer and know what precautions to take.
The free guide, called Home Security: Protecting Your Property, is suitable for people who either own or rent and offers advice about simple and effective ways to improve home security and avoid burglary or other crimes around the home. It provides practical information on checking existing home security and insurance, identifying vulnerabilities, making improvements, and what to do if you’ve been burgled.
Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, says, “Although burglary isn’t very common, it can be devastating if it happens to you, so it’s a good idea to take precautions. Home security doesn’t have to be expensive and there are lots of simple but effective measures to put in place, such as making sure windows and gates are shut and locked, putting tools and ladders away and keeping valuables out of sight. Our new guide, Home Security, will take you through all the things you need to think about to protect your home, as well as what to do if you are the victim of a crime.”
Police statistics show that homes with simple security measures in place are five times less likely to be burgled, so the charity is advising people to check their homes and make sure they’re as safe as they can be.
Home Security is completely free to order and download from www.independentage.org/home-security or can be ordered for free by calling 0800 319 6789.
To support the guide, Independent Age has also developed an interactive online houseto highlight how to keep all parts of your home safe, with tips for the inside, outside, back and sides of the house.
[1]http://www.threerivers.gov.uk/page/crime-prevention-and-seasonal-safety
Tips for a secure home