With recent figures from CrimeRate.co.uk revealing that police forces in England and Wales received nearly 240,000 crime reports about burglary in 2024, protecting homes should be of significant importance to homeowners, particularly over the vulnerable winter months.
Taking a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to home security is key. Which is why it’s important that trade professionals make homeowners aware of the current threats and how they can protect their home against opportunistic attacks.
Whilst winter typically poses further threats to homes, Karl Woolley, Head of Product for Yale Retail, shares an insight into the trending burglary tactics, current theft trends and solutions that aim to protect homes, so you can offer up-to-date advice and product recommendations for your customers in the new year.
Stamping out lock snapping
With the popularity of smart security products in recent years, from the likes of smart alarms to smart locks, the modern-day homeowner often prioritises these in-demand gadgets in the pursuit of convenience and control. But it’s also worth reminding them on the importance of high-quality mechanical security products that offer superior protection against trending burglary tactics.
And whilst smart security cameras will provide an effective deterrent against opportunists, when it comes to improved front door security, a cylinder upgrade is a great suggestion. A high-quality cylinder will provide heightened protection against the recent trend for ‘lock snapping’, a technique where criminals will aim to break the cylinder to allow for easy entry into a property. Criminals will often be able to spot an inferior lock design with a quick glance, opting for homes that pose an easy target.
Trade professionals should look to recommend a cylinder with the ‘3 star’ seal of approval to their customers, alongside products that have met the TS007 standard, an improved version of the Kitemark specifically created for cylinders. Yale developed its Platinum 3 Star Cylinder in response to this ongoing lock snapping trend, ensuring that homeowners can provide numerous lines of defence for their home including Anti-Snap, Anti-Pick and Anti-Bump capabilities.
With the visible Yale brand name and three-star seal of approval clearly displayed on the front of the lock, this in itself should be enough to prevent an attempted attack, making it a great option to keep stocked up on in the new year.
Keep an eye on vehicle theft
Whilst homeowners often focus their attention on the front door and outdoor protection when it comes to a home security upgrade, the same focus is not always extended to another valuable asset kept at home – their car.
According to government statistics, vehicle theft continues to stay at a record high, with over 129,000 vehicles stolen from April 2023 to March 2024, with opportunists often looking to steal high-value vehicle parts, such as catalytic converters and car badges. With recent figures revealing that 15% of cars were stolen from a driveway, and 28% of drivers admitting to not using any additional security on their car, it’s worthwhile informing homeowners of this threat and suggesting a security upgrade.
With this in mind, a smart security camera is a great suggestion for improving the security of front doors and driveways, with demand for smart home products only growing amongst UK consumers. With research estimating that more than half of UK homes will be ‘smart homes’ by 20274, opting for smart products as part of your offering is essential for improved security and, in turn, increased sales in the new year.
A smart security camera, such as the new Yale Smart Outdoor Camera, helps to protect homes, driveways and, in turn, any cars, with high-definition image quality, enabling users to view their entire garden or driveway at anytime, anywhere via their smartphone. With motion-triggered recordings as well as night-vision giving all-year-round protection for users, suggesting a smart security camera will help to heighten the security of your customer’s homes for wintertime and beyond.
Yale also recently added the Smart Video Doorbell to its growing Smart Security Ecosystem, offering an added layer of protection to any property, with a handy HD live feed allowing homeowners to monitor the entrance to their home conveniently via their smartphone. With the addition of night-vision and two-way talk, users can see and speak to any visitors to their door, ensuring they’re always ‘in the know’ over their home security. And if you decide home security should be a key focus for investment in 2025, it’s also worthwhile opting for a trusted brand name in the industry.
With recent figures from the Smart Home Buyer Index 2024 highlighting that 75% of homeowners are looking for peace of mind and security through their smart devices, opting for a well-known household name in home security is essential when deciding on your product recommendations for 2025.
For more information on the range of security products from Yale visit trade@yale.co.uk.
