How do you keep burglars at bay?

Rising energy bills have not deterred Irish homeowners from leaving the lights on in order to keep burglars at bay.

That’s according to the findings of a new survey by Peopl Insurance which examined the methods used by Irish people to keep their home safe when they’re on vacation.

It found that almost one in two homeowners (49%) light up their home when away on holiday in the hope that doing so will prevent a break-in. Furthermore, the traditional practice of relying on a neighbour to keep an eye on a home while it is vacant is still alive and well. Four in ten (40%) of homeowners get a neighbour to check in on their property and collect the post while they’re on holiday, while about one in eight (13%) ask their neighbour to open and draw the curtains and blinds.

According to the research, the top 10 methods used by homeowners to keep burglars at bay while a home is vacant are:

- Leave the lights on or use time switches (49% of homeowners said they did this)

- Get a neighbour to check in and collect the post (40%)

- Use an intruder alarm (36%)

- Use CCTV cameras (22%)

- Use top-of-the-range mortice locks (19%)

- Get a neighbour to open and draw the curtains and blinds (13%)

- Leave clothes hanging on the line (12%)

- Move valuables up to the attic (11%)

- Leave an ironing board up with a pile of clothes on it (4%)

- Hide the calendar away (3%)

Commenting on the research, Paul Walsh, MD of Peopl Insurance, said: “Burglaries often increase in the winter months as the longer nights give criminals more time to break into homes under the cover of darkness.”

The research also found that men are more inclined than women to rely on CCTV cameras (25% versus 18%) in a bid to deter burglars while they’re on vacation. Men are also more likely than women to move valuables up to the attic (12% versus 9%), and to use top-of-the-range mortice locks (23% versus 15%).

Women are more inclined than men to ask a neighbour to check in on their home while they’re away (45% versus 35%) and to use an intruder alarm (40% versus 31%).

Those over 55 are more inclined than other age cohorts to take steps to protect their home from burglars while they’re away, with almost six in ten (56%) of this age group saying they turn on lights or use timer switches while on holiday, and almost half (48%) saying they get a neighbour to check in. This age group were also more inclined than others to turn their alarm on and to have top-of-the-range mortice locks.Mr Walsh continued: “While taking preventative steps is hugely important when it comes to keeping your home safe from burglars, having adequate home insurance in place is also crucial, particularly over the winter months and Christmas.”