Despite the fact that crime figures are down in the UK, there is a growing interest in home security among householders looking to protect their valuables and treasured possessions, leading to rising sales of products such as alarms.

With demographics highlighting that many people prefer to use professionals to install the products rather than trying their hand at DIY, this represents a significant opportunity for merchants and their customers.

This month sees the launch of National Home Security May Day (26 May), a new initiative designed to drive demand for security products throughout May and beyond. Highlighting tips and solutions that will help keep consumers and their possessions safe and secure in time for summer, it is part of a wider campaign designed to raise awareness of home security, before National Home Security Month, which takes place in October.

The inaugural National Home Security Month took place in October 2013 and was a huge success, attracting support from the media, general public and trade, including Travis Perkins, Wolseley and Screwfix. This year, it is set to be even bigger and better, providing a wealth of opportunities for proactive merchants and tradespeople.

For more information, or to find out how you can get involved, visit www.homesecuritymonth.com.

David Herbert is head of marketing for Yale.