Window and door manufacturers and installers are being encouraged to share home security advice with customers, after research commissioned by Neighbourhood Watch found that burglary remains a top concern for homeowners.

The study found that 64% of UK residents worry about their homes being broken into and that over half of Britons believe that crime has increased in their local area.

As autumn draws in and evenings get darker, ERA is working with Neighbourhood Watch as part of their long-standing seven-year partnership to raise awareness amongst homeowners of the steps they can take to secure their homes, especially as the cost-of-living crisis is still being widely felt across the country. The survey of over 25,000 adults found that 95% of people are worried about the effect that the pressure on household incomes will have on crime. 

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, says: “The results from our latest National Crime and Community Survey show that burglary remains a key concern for people up and down the country.”

It is estimated that a burglary takes place every 106 seconds in the UK and with more than 400,000 domestic burglaries reported in 2022, it ranks within the top five most common crimes in the UK, which is why prevention remains a big focus for Neighbourhood Watch.

John continues: “With the nights gradually getting darker, there are several simple and proven measures that we can all take to help prevent burglaries. This includes securing your home’s windows, interior, doors, and exterior, as well as keeping an eye out for neighbours.”

Earlier this year, in a bid to achieve better home security awareness, ERA and Neighbourhood Watch joined forces to launch the WIDE(N) burglary prevention campaign. The initiative communicates five simple steps that provide homeowners with key information to help keep their homes safe.

W: WINDOWS: Keep your windows locked

I: INTERIOR: Put inside lights on a timer/smart bulb

D: DOORS: Double or deadlock your doors

E: EXTERIOR: Put outside lights on a sensor

(N): NEIGHBOURS: Keep an eye out for your neighbours

Sumier Foster-Shah, Product and Customer Support Manager at ERA commented: “With continued concern about local crime, it’s timely for window and door manufacturers to share home security advice with their customers, and to recommend the latest certified solutions that will provide maximum protection for homes and families.

“Smart home security devices, such as our new TouchKey solution, along with traditional hardware, including our 3* cylinders and multi-point door locks, are all effective security solutions that window, and door manufacturers can offer to homeowners that will help protect their property and provide peace of mind.”

For further information about Neighbourhood Watch, visit: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/

For more information about ERA’s diverse portfolio of security products, visit www.eraeverywhere.com, contact the sales team on 01922 490 000, or email info@eraeverywhere.com