Asda Money Offers top tips on Making Your Home More Secure

Asda Money highlights recent figures which show that soaring temperatures during the UK’s heatwave have led to a spike in overnight burglaries in some parts of the country(1). With the thermometer pushing past the 25 degree mark for days on end, homeowners have been forced to open their windows at night to get some respite from the summer heat. However, in homeowners’ attempt to stay cool they may also put the security of their home in jeopardy and make it more vulnerable to opportunist thieves. With this in mind, Asda Money offers top tips for improving your home security. Fit appropriate locks Ground floor windows, those located near a flat roof or a drain pipe or any windows that are in easy to reach locations can be fitted with key-operated window locks to provide extra security. These locks should meet British Standard BS7950. Windows with a large opening, 60cm high or wide, can also be fitted with secondary locks. For homeowners living in period properties, sash windows can be fitted with sash stops to limit how far they can be opened. Secure the approach to your home A number of simple measures can be put in place to deter burglars from approaching your property or alert you to the presence of a potential intruder at the earliest possible opportunity. Laying gravel on the area outside your home is a simple way to help you detect when anyone is approaching your property. Security lighting will also help to achieve the same effect. Adding a peephole or viewer to your existing door, as well as a security chain, will give you the chance to view who is approaching your property, without compromising your home security. Use timers to create the illusion that you are home There are a range of sophisticated timers on the market that can help to create the illusion that your property is occupied. As an example there are models that switch your lights on and off according to the amount of daylight that is detected. There are also TVs, radios and other appliances that are able to switch on and off at the times that you would normally be home. Taking out home and contents insurance is another way to help to ensure that your property is protected all year round. AMHI04102013PRESSAT Notes to Editors 1. http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/court-crime/heatwave_triggers_rise_in_burglaries_in_tower_hamlets_as_thieves_make_most_of_open_windows_1_2287834 About Asda Home Insurance • Independently rated as 5 star quality by industry experts Defaqto • Home Emergency Cover included as standard • Accidental damage cover (exclusions apply) • New for old replacement cover (exclusions apply) • Automatic 10% increase for wedding gift and Christmas cover • UK Customer Service centre and your own personal claims manager Asda Money is a trading name of Asda Financial Services Limited. Asda Financial Services Limited uses a selection of companies to provide its products and services. Please refer to www.ASDA.com/money for details of our product partners and the relevant terms and conditions for each of our products and services. Asda Home Insurance is arranged and administered by Brightside Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm reference No. 302216).Registered office: MMT Centre, Severn Bridge, Aust Bristol BS35 4BL. Registered in England and Wales number 04137311.