Summer brings longer days, warm evenings, and more time spent outdoors. But while you’re enjoying the season, burglars often see it as their busiest time of year. In fact, studies show that burglary rates can rise during the summer months, as open windows, garden access, and empty homes while families are away on holiday all make properties more vulnerable.

If you live in Central London, where homes are often closely packed and opportunistic crime is common, it’s even more important to take extra care. As experienced locksmiths, we’ve seen how small lapses can create big risks. To help you stay safe, here are eight expert locksmith tips to keep your home secure this summer.

1. Upgrade Your Locks for Better Protection

Your locks are your first and strongest line of defence, but many homes still rely on outdated models that burglars can bypass in seconds. Burglars often target older locks because they can be picked, drilled, or snapped with little effort.

Installing British Standard BS3621 locks on wooden doors or anti-snap euro cylinder locks on uPVC and composite doors will dramatically improve your security. For those who prefer modern convenience, smart locks allow you to lock and unlock doors remotely, check access logs, and even receive alerts if the door is left unlocked. The added control and monitoring can give you peace of mind, especially when you’re away.

2. Reinforce Doors and Frames

A sturdy lock is only effective if the door and frame holding it are equally strong. Burglars often don’t bother with the lock itself — instead, they force the door open by kicking or prying at weak points.

Adding reinforcements such as a London bar or Birmingham bar strengthens the frame, while hinge bolts add extra protection to outward-opening doors. These reinforcements are simple upgrades, but they can make breaking in significantly harder, buying you crucial time and often discouraging burglars altogether.

3. Secure Windows – Especially in Summer

It’s natural to keep windows open when temperatures rise, but unsecured windows are one of the most common entry points for burglars. Ground-floor windows and those accessible from flat roofs, drainpipes, or garden walls are especially tempting.

Fitting window restrictors allows you to enjoy fresh air without leaving your home exposed, while sash jammers on uPVC windows prevent them from being forced open. Don’t overlook upstairs windows either — burglars often use ladders, bins, or garden furniture to climb up. Simply locking windows when you leave home is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take.

4. Protect Your Garden and Outdoor Spaces

Your garden is more than just a place to relax — it can also reveal weaknesses in your home’s security. Tools, ladders, or furniture left outside can give intruders an easy way in.

Keep sheds and garages locked with heavy-duty padlocks and consider fitting them with security hasps and staples for extra strength. Installing motion-sensor lights makes it difficult for anyone to approach unnoticed, while tall fences and trellis panels act as natural deterrents. Keeping hedges trimmed also removes hiding spots, making it easier for neighbours to notice suspicious activity.

A well-secured garden doesn’t just protect your outdoor items — it acts as your first line of defence for the entire property.

5. Invest in Alarms and CCTV Systems

Technology plays a huge role in modern home security. Visible CCTV cameras and alarm boxes are often enough to make a burglar move on to an easier target. But beyond deterrence, they also provide valuable evidence in the event of an attempted break-in.

Modern options include wireless CCTV systems that you can monitor from your smartphone, video doorbells that record visitors, and monitored alarm systems that alert you or a security company immediately. These systems are no longer as expensive as they once were and can be scaled to fit any property size. For busy Central London homeowners, the ability to check on your home with a single tap offers unmatched reassurance.

6. Take Precautions When You Go on Holiday

Summer holidays are peak time for burglaries because many homes are left empty for days or weeks. Thieves look for signs of absence, such as uncollected post, dark windows, or curtains that never move.

Before travelling, use timer switches to turn lights or radios on and off at different times of the day, creating the impression that someone is home. Ask a neighbour or friend to check on the house, water plants, and collect mail. Most importantly, avoid sharing your holiday plans on social media until you return — burglars often monitor online activity to spot empty homes.

With just a little planning, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about what’s happening back at home.

7. Rethink Spare Key Hiding Spots

It’s surprisingly common for homeowners to hide a spare key outside for convenience, but burglars know all the usual places — under mats, in plant pots, or even inside fake rocks. If someone gains access this way, there’s no visible sign of forced entry, making it harder to claim insurance.

A safer approach is to leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or family member. If you prefer keeping one on-site, a lockable outdoor key safe secured to a wall is a much better option. For those with smart locks, you can go one step further and eliminate spare keys entirely by providing digital access codes or remote unlock features.

8. Book a Professional Security Assessment

Every property has unique vulnerabilities, and what works for one household may not be enough for another. A professional locksmith can carry out a detailed assessment, examining your locks, doors, windows, and outdoor areas to identify weak points.

From there, you’ll receive expert advice on upgrades — whether it’s stronger locks, door reinforcements, or integrated security systems. While it may feel like an extra expense, investing in a locksmith’s expertise can save you from the financial and emotional cost of a burglary.

Conclusion

Summer should be about enjoying the longer days and warmer weather, not worrying about the safety of your property. By following these expert locksmith tips, from reinforcing your doors and windows to installing modern security systems, you can make your home far less attractive to opportunistic burglars.

For complete peace of mind, trust the experts at Central London Locksmith. Our team provides professional lock upgrades, emergency call-outs, and personalised security solutions designed to keep your home secure throughout the year. Whether you’re preparing for a summer holiday or simply want stronger day-to-day protection, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with Central London Locksmith today and let us make your home security one less thing to worry about this summer.