National Home Security Month 2022 is taking place this October, as the campaign looks to raise awareness of home security and the importance of taking precautions to ensure homes and people are protected.
First launched in 2013, the annual campaign from UK security specialist, Yale, takes place each October. Supporters come from across the sector, from retailers such as Argos and B&Q, and also from the Police. Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI) and Secured by Design are both showing their support for National Home Security Month this year.
Designed to offer advice, information and support on how people can secure their property, it takes place in October as the nights start to draw in and the clocks go back an hour in the UK.
Earlier this year, Yale commissioned a national survey to understand the perceptions of home security and see how UK homeowners prioritise the protection of their property.
Whilst those surveyed have their own tactics to secure their homes, such as keeping a light on when they go out (52%) and leaving on a TV or radio (28%), it was revealed that two thirds haven’t upgraded their home security in the last two years.
These worrying statistics not only show the weak protection methods homeowners put in place when leaving their property unattended, but also highlight the lack of prioritisation of home security in general. It also aligns with further research from Legrand, which indicates there are growing opportunities for security installers as homeowners look to adopt smart solutions such as security cameras.
According to Yale’s recent research, in 23% of cases, burglars gained access through the front door, highlighting just how important the protection of this area of the home is to homeowners. The survey showed that only one in 10 people change the locks when they move house, a particularly vulnerable time for opportunists operating in the area. Further to this, only 27% of respondents knew what type of lock they need to prevent lock snapping, the act of breaking the cylinder of a lock, suggesting the need for more education on the subject.
External security products that Yale, and other supporters of the campaign highlight are worth the investment, include smart alarms, security lighting and security cameras. Working as effective visual deterrents, alarms, lighting and security cameras not only help to keep the burglars at bay, but with smart versions available, homeowners can now even monitor and protect their home remotely.
The statistics have revealed that only 20% of people have invested in security cameras and only 18% utilise the many benefits of an alarm system, highlighting the general lack of outdoor security measures used by UK homeowners.
George Boyd, the architectural ironmongery retailer, is also showing its support for the campaign.
Tommy Geddes, Commercial Director for George Boyd commented: “As the dark nights draw in, it’s natural that homeowners are thinking more about their security. Joining the National Home Security Month campaign is just part of our commitment to providing excellent quality security protection for homeowners, contractors and tradespeople, as well as the expert advice that they need to choose the right solution for their project.
“We’re excited to see the success of National Home Security Month and to play our part in making homes, offices and businesses across the nation safer and more secure this October.”
Find out more about National Home Security Month.
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