UK Homeowners Don’t Know Burglary Risks, Shows Evander Home Security Survey
(PRWEB UK) 27 September 2013 -- Homeowners in the UK could be putting themselves at risk of burglary by not putting basic home security measures in place, according to research commissioned by emergency locksmith and glazing specialist Evander.
The survey, conducted to mark UK Home Security Week, found most UK homeowners are unaware of one of the most prevalent burglary techniques, don’t use burglar alarms, and are reluctant to make insurance claims affecting their premiums. (http://www.evander.com/blog/enter-your-title-here-2013-09-23)
85 per cent of those questioned said they hadn’t heard of ‘lock snapping’, a breaking and entering technique whereby the lock’s cylinder is literally snapped in two.
Since 2009, there has been a rise in the technique, and lock snapping is now estimated by some police departments to be used in more than a quarter of burglaries. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-17075027)
More than three-quarters of householders surveyed said they hadn’t made any household security improvements over the previous 12 months, if ever, and less than 40 per cent had a burglar alarm installed at home.
Of those who did have an alarm installed, nearly a third (29 per cent) said they never used it because the alarm doesn’t work, or because they simply choose not to.
It appears burglars could be getting off the hook unnecessarily too, with one in three householders reporting they won’t report a crime as they believe the punishment won’t be severe enough, or because the culprit won’t be caught.
Some believed the process of reporting a crime would be too time-consuming, and one in five said they wouldn’t do anything if they heard an alarm going off in their neighbourhood.
And despite putting themselves at risk of burglary, more than three quarters (86 per cent) of people say they won’t make an insurance claim if it affects their excess or premiums.
UK Home Security Week began on Monday, September 23.
Michael Fraser, crime author, former presenter of BBC’s Beat the Burglar, and ambassador for UK Home Security Week, says most burglaries can be avoided with simple – and sometimes free –security improvements.
“It is frightening to see how complacent people are regarding their home security”, he said.
“Many homeowners suffer from a victim mentality, believing that there is little they can do to deter a ‘determined’ burglar.
“This isn’t the case, as most burglaries are committed because an opportunity has arisen, be it a key left in the back door or equipment not working, such as the alarm or floodlights.
“Taking simple steps will have a huge impact for homeowners. For instance, not having their calendar in plain view, or making sure the blinds are turned up rather than down so that the burglar can’t see in, all help to make a property less appealing.”
Mark Taylor, security expert at Evander, said: “Burglary is like any other crime – if you understand the risks, and the techniques used by burglars, you can dramatically reduce the chance of becoming a victim.
“But despite the dramatic consequences burglary can have on homeowners’ personal and financial security, it seems people aren’t taking the necessary steps to keep their homes and possessions safe.
“To mark UK Home Security Week, we’ve created a series of online guides and videos to help homeowners understand whether their locks, windows and doors are protected against burglary.
“Much of the time, it only takes a few simple steps to drastically improve security at home.”
As well as its household security guides, Evander has created a free security survey app – Beat the Burglar.
Beat the Burglar uses crime statistics from across the UK, along with user-provided information, to determine the user’s ‘risk level’, and provides easy-to-action recommendations to help improve home security.
The app is available at Evander’s website, and for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch at the iTunes App Store.
Michael Fraser said: “The Beat the Burglar app is a free calculator that helps homeowners conduct their own home security audit, so that they can take the necessary steps to ensure their home doesn’t appeal to the opportunistic burglar.”
Evander provides emergency locksmith and glazing services, and sells home security enhancements like laminated glass, burglar alarms, extra-strong door handles and anti-snap locks – which help prevent entry through lock snapping.
To try the Beat the Burglar app, visit: http://www.evander.com/free-home-security-survey
To view Evander’s home security videos, presented by Michael Fraser and Mark Taylor, see: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCxttyeD_x_MgXHMKZTHWLA/videos
To read Evander’s home security guides, and for more information on its products and services, visit: http://www.evander.com/
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information on this story, and for complete survey results, contact Rami Aulak at: Rami.Aulak(at)waa(dot)co(dot)uk or 0121 362 1657.
Evander
Since 1984, Evander has offered 24-hour emergency locksmith, glazing and boarding up services to customers in the UK. Today, it has more than 15 branches across the UK, and employs 240 professional locksmiths, all of whom are CHAS, FENSA and Safe Contractor-approved. As well as its emergency locksmith services, Evander provides replacement locks, doors and windows, along with home security products.
Rami Aulak, Evander, http://www.evander.com/, +44 1213621657, [email protected]
Share this article