Keep your home safe and secure this winter with PhoneWatch

September 25, 2023

Ahead of anticipated increases in winter burglaries, here are six home security tips from PTSB Ideal Home Show exhibitor, PhoneWatch.

In the last 12 months, there have been over 9,000 burglaries in Ireland according to the CSO, so it is understandable that our recent research with Bounce Insights, July 2023 outlines that 56% of people surveyed are more conscious of the risk of burglaries now than they were 12 months ago.

As the evenings become darker, we are more aware of being alone at home and feeling vulnerable. Research also revealed that 58% of people feel less safe in their homes during the winter months and 64% feel less safe during the night.
Winter months are notorious for increased rates in burglary; indeed, the research indicates that burglaries increase by almost 20% in winter months, with nearly half of these burglaries occurring between 5pm and 11pm.

However, we can take actions to drastically reduce the likelihood of experiencing a burglary by implementing adequate home security measures.
It’s important to keep all entry points to your home protected, 24/7 year-round, but especially during the winter months.

Burglars commonly target back doors (26%), back windows (24%) and front windows (8%), with one in five cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window.

Marguerite Cotter, Marketing Director of PhoneWatch

“It’s reassuring to note that the national burglary rate has remained unchanged in the last 12 months (from April ’22 to March ‘23) compared to the previous 12 months. However, we can’t become complacent, it is important to remain vigilant when it comes to home security. Even one burglary is one too many.

At PhoneWatch, we know from speaking to new customers how traumatising a burglary can be for the homeowner. We want to remind all homeowners to take simple but necessary steps to help avoid the trauma of a burglary in their home, especially as the evenings become darker and the levels of burglary are known to increase.”

PhoneWatch’s aim is to ensure people always feel safe in their homes and so we have devised six simple home security tips for you to implement to ensure your home and everyone inside is protected this winter.

  • Lock windows and doors: Always ensure your front and back doors are locked and windows are shut. Also, secure garden sheds and your vehicles.
  • Secure your house keys: Don’t leave house keys outside, instead ensure your neighbour has a spare set of keys for emergencies. With PhoneWatch keytags, your chosen family members and neighbours can arm and disarm your alarm without an alarm code.
  • Leave a light on: Make sure your home is well lit up. You could invest in smart plugs and turn on lights via a home security app to make it appear as if you are in your home, especially during the night-time.
  • Safeguard your valuables: Never leave car keys, cash, jewellery or any valuable items openly on display.
  • Ask a neighbour: If you are away from your home for several days, ask a neighbour to take out your bins and bring in your post, so that it doesn’t pile up outside and look as if there is nobody home.
  • Get an alarm and use it: Having a monitored alarm system is an excellent way to protect your home, it acts as a strong deterrent to potential burglars and provides peace of mind, knowing that your home is being protected 24/7.

PhoneWatch’s home security system protects you against burglary and smoke incidents and we respond to all alarm activations within 15 seconds. It is proven that you are four times less likely to be burgled with a PhoneWatch monitored alarm system (compared to having no alarm), according to data from the CSO recorded crime statistics June 2023 and PhoneWatch Alarm Receiving Centre Data.

For more information visit www.phonewatch.ie and catch Phonewatch at stand no. Q55 all weekend at the PTSB Ideal Home Show.

And, if you are looking for ways to save on your energy bills, planning to build, extend or renovate, or take on any kind of home décor and interior design project, the PhoneWatch Ask An Expert Hub should be your first port of call. Avail of free one to-one consultations with professional experts.

With a range of independent experts on hand, including architects, garden designers, interior designers, retrofit and energy saving experts, this is your opportunity to get a one-on-one Free 15-minute non-biased consultation with representatives of the relevant professional bodies or trade associations. Find out more HERE.

The PTSB Ideal Home Show takes place from 20th to 22nd October, RDS Dublin.

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