Yale’s National Home Security Month (NHSM) – which runs throughout the entirety of October – is now in its 10th year. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of upgrading home security, especially as its anniversary-year survey indicates that home security is a low priority for UK homeowners.
Using OnePoll, Yale surveyed 2,000 UK adults this year. The survey showed that while 52% of homeowners keep a light on when they go out, and 28% leave a TV or radio on instead65% haven’t upgraded their home security in the last two years. This is worrying concept as burglary rates continue to rise, business representatives have said, but this lack of prioritisation also highlights opportunities for the industry.
Paul Atkinson, managing director at Yale Door and Window Solutions, said: “We’re extremely proud National Home Security Month is celebrating its 10th campaign. Over the past 10 years, the campaign has continued to provide advice and support to homeowners on the most effective ways to keep their home secure. Although we’ve been a part of the campaign for a decade, it’s fair to say the statistics collated in our recent survey show the continued importance for education on the topic of home security.”
Front door security
According to Yale’s research, in 23% of cases, burglars gained access to a home through the front door. One of the easiest and effective ways to improve the security of a front door is a maximum-security cylinder, business leaders have said.
Yale’s research found that only 27% of respondents knew what type of lock they needed to prevent lock snapping. Further research highlighted that breaking through a window was the most popular form of entry into a home by opportunists.
Smart security
The survey also revealed that 53% would be willing to pay more to buy or rent a home if it had better security measures or a smart security system in place. Fabricators and installers can offer homeowners the option of being able to check the status of their doors and windows on their smart devices and phones, thanks to Yale’s new integrated smart window and door lock sensors: SensCheck. Yale launched the sensors earlier this year.
Paul added: “This year, we once again have several big-name brands – including B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon – supporting the NHSM campaign, all with the same aim of spreading the message of improved home security far and wide.” He added that the NHSM message would be spread using a national radio campaign, social media content and promotions in stores and online.
“With the heightened promotion of NHSM this year, the door and window industry should look to get behind the campaign and this increased interest and focus on home security,” Paul concluded. For more information, tips and advice relating to this year’s National Home Security Month from Yale, visit homesecuritymonth.com or search #NHSM2022 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Read a bout last year’s NHSM here.
