The darker nights of winter provide cover for burglars on the lookout for easy targets, so this season homeowners are advised to invest a bit more in security measures for their property. As well as deterring thieves, taking steps to prevent burglaries can also help to save money on home insurance from providers like Castle Cover, as policies typically cost less for lower-risk properties.

Your first defence against intruders is your doors, so ensure all your locks conform to the British safety standard BS3621. If you still don’t feel your locks provide adequate protection, it could be worth investing in a door grate for an added later of security. Installing a burglar alarm is another measure that could drive down the price of your home insurance, and just the presence of an alarm is enough to put many thieves off.

As burglars often prefer to target homes that are darkly lit and have places to hide, installing motion-sensitive lighting outdoors can be a cost-effective way to protect your home. Properly fitted window locks can also make a big difference in keeping your home secure, and again may pay for themselves in the form of cheaper home insurance policies.