As we approach another New Year, people will use this time to set-out their own personal goals for the year ahead. These ‘New Year Resolutions’ can include things such as stopping smoking, looking for a new job, losing weight and trying to manage their money better. Perhaps, there is one resolution we should all be trying to achieve and that’s making our home safer and less of a target to burglars and thieves.

We recently told our readers that home burglaries rose by 14% during the last recorded period, an alarming figure by any standards. Yet, there are still a minority of people that are still under the illusion that because “they live in a good area, their homes are safe from any intruders“. One sad fact, of today’s modern society, is that no ones home is safe from burglary. Which is why home security is paramount!

This year, when the bells toll midnight, and you’re making your New Year Resolution, have a thought about your own personal protection and the safety of your family and your possessions.

At Crime Prevention Products have a vast array of Wireless Burglar Alarms, Garage Alarms & Shed Alarms and CCTV Cameras that will capture video in high definition, enabling you to monitor your premises even when you’re out celebrating elsewhere the beginning of a New Year.

Earlier in the month, we wrote an article depicting what might be on a burglars top 10 wish list and the frequency in which homes are burgled in the UK. It may have surprised a few readers to find out that home burglaries have risen by 14% and that a UK home is burgled (or attempted) every 43 seconds.

Every homeowner has to be seriously aware that someone might be ‘casing’ their home for weaknesses in order to gain entry, especially around Christmas and New Year.

A recent article published in The Telegraph (source) explains how Police in Manchester issued a warning to local residents after they found a burglar’s ‘To-Do’ list.

The list detailed how, when and where to obtain certain ‘gifts’ such as one resident who kept the keys to their SAAB behind an open kitchen window. Other targets on the list included ‘money that was kept on a fireplace’ and where to find bicycles, laptops, cars, vans, TV’s and even wallets. Police believe that this thief had been busy ‘casing’ joints and must have been peering into people’s homes to obtain this information.

Home security is paramount all through the year, which is why we supply trusted home alarm systems, outdoor/indoor security lights, driveway alarms and so much more… All specifically designed to alert and protect your home from someone approaching and illegaly entering your property.

At Crime Prevention Products we wish everyone to have a safe and Happy Christmas and enjoy the gifts for whom they were intended – and not some sneak thief.

Its been a topic of conversation for some time now, with councils up-and-down the country implementing or discussing plans to recoup/save some money by dimming, removing or switching off street lighting from midnight until 5am. Of-course, it’s a controversial decision which has caused much debate.

Councils need to cut costs and they see streetlighting as an efficient way of cutting back. Kent County Council, for example, has 118,500 streetlights which costs them in the region of £5.1m yearly. By switching off an estimated 70,000 lights, during the twilight hours, will save the council around £765,000. You can see why it is an attractive proposition which most councils are eager to rubber stamp.

But what about the concerns, over crime and road accidents?

A number of automobile authorities have warned that reducing visibility at night by removing/dimming/switching off streetlights will greatly heighten the risk of road accidents in the areas affected.

But there is also another danger, when street illuminance decreases, and that’s the risk of personal attacks or sexual assaults rising. Especially over the festive period. Party revellers heading home alone, may feel vulnerable and open to attack.

If you’re heading out as the party season begins, here are a few safety considerations you should think about before you step-out…Try to plan your return route home, arrange for a taxi to pick you up if necessary, don’t overdo the alcohol, carry a personal attack alarm, know your surroundings and keep to well-lit streets (although that might prove to be easier-said-than-done in the months and years ahead).