It’s no surprise that burglars like to be busy during the summer months. They look out for the tell-tale signs of an empty home and with some people even posting on Facebook about a holiday, while on holiday, sometimes they don’t need to look too hard. Here at Towergate Locksmiths, we’ve put together some common sense but effective tips on deterring any would-be summer burglars. Keep Doors and Windows Locked – If you’re sat in the garden or just nipping to the shops, remember to close your downstairs windows and doors or a burglar may be quick to take advantage. Never Leave a Spare Key Outside – Burglars know most every safe place to hide a key so leaving one ‘hidden’ outside your property is not the best idea. If you’re not there they have all the time they need to search until they do find it and then enter your empty home unchallenged. Hide Valuables – keep valuables out of view from your windows. And if you’re going on holiday hide them away so if a burglar were to gain entry they will struggle to take anything of real value. Don’t Tell Social Media! – If you are going away you absolutely must not advertise your plans or post photos on social media until after you return home. Burglars find this information, can work out your address and your property soon becomes a prime candidate for burglary. Put Post on Hold – The Royal Mail offer a postal holding service where you can have your mail held for up to 3 months. If your post can be seen piling up through your door, doing this will stop that build-up of envelopes and flyers that gives easy indication your home is standing empty. Inform a Neighbour – Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep check on your home. If they also have a key they can turn lights on and off, and open and close curtains, giving the impression your home is occupied. Leave Your Car at Home – If possible, when you go away use public transport or a taxi to get to the airport. Leaving a car in the driveway of your home creates the impression someone is in and automatically deters a burglar. So there we are, 7 straightforward tips that could prove invaluable in keeping your property safe this summer.