Jump directly to the content

YOUR home is more at risk during the darker days of winter.

Insurance firm Churchill says there are a third more burglaries in November than in July.

Five cheap ways to beef up home security and protect your pad on dark days
7
Five cheap ways to beef up home security and protect your pad on dark daysCredit: Getty

Protect your pad with these low-cost measures . . . 

SHUT OUT THIEVES: In more than a third of burglaries, thieves let themselves in through unlocked doors or windows.

Double-check that doors are locked, especially at the back of your house.

The harder you make it for a burglar, the more likely they are to give up and seek an easier target.

READ MORE SUN SAVERS

PAIN IN THE GLASS: Simply putting thorny plants around ground- floor windows can deter thieves, says David Clarke of manchesterlocksmiths. org.uk.

Adding a trellis to the stop of a sturdy fence will make it harder for them to climb into your garden.

Keep hedges high at the back to deter thieves, and low at the front so they have nowhere to hide.

BRIGHT IDEA: Almost four in ten burglaries happen between 6pm and midnight, says security firm ADT.

Shining a light on unwelcome guests will put them off.

You can buy motion sensor lights for as little as £12 from stores like Screwfix.

Ring Protect introduces a comprehensive subscription service that lets you review, share and save your videos and photos

BE SWITCHED ON: Making it appear that someone is in your property if you are out will deter burglars.

Once darkness falls, leave lights on.

David says: “Timer switches for your lights are a cost-effective solution, available from most supermarkets for as little as £3.

“Another tactic is to use a TV simulator that emits light patterns resembling a flickering TV.”

SPOT THE SIGNS: Burglars may mark homes they intend to target with tell-tale signs, like paint marks on walls or fences, or flyers or stickers left to test if anyone is around.

David says: “Spotting these signs early can help you take precautions and safeguard your property before an intruder makes a move.”

  • All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Save £25 on the Apothecary wellness bag from Marks & Spencer
7
Save £25 on the Apothecary wellness bag from Marks & SpencerCredit: supplied

PACKED with products, the Apothecary wellness bag from Marks & Spencer is down from £50 to £25.

SAVE: £25

Cheap treat

Save £3.95 on Garnier Superfood nourishing body cream at Boots
7
Save £3.95 on Garnier Superfood nourishing body cream at BootsCredit: supplied

SOOTHE winter skin with the Garnier Superfood nourishing body cream, down from £7.89 to £3.94 at Boots.

SAVE: £3.95

What's new

SHOP for secondhand clothes in the thrift.plus sale, with more than 100,000 items of high- street clothing on offer for £5 or less, including this Jigsaw top for £4.

Top swap

This John Lewis hand-painted stoneware vase is £15
7
This John Lewis hand-painted stoneware vase is £15Credit: supplied
But the Julipa vase at JD Williams is just £8
7
But the Julipa vase at JD Williams is just £8Credit: supplied

YOU can’t go wrong with a bold, striped vase.

The John Lewis hand-painted stoneware one is £15, or find the Julipa vase at JD Williams for £8.

SAVE: £7

Little helper

FOR £1, over-60s can enjoy a warming bowl of soup and a bread roll, and unlimited tea or coffee at Asda cafes.

Shop & save

Save £3.50 on Kenco Millicano Americano instant coffee at Asda
7
Save £3.50 on Kenco Millicano Americano instant coffee at AsdaCredit: supplied

WARM yourself up with a cup of Kenco Millicano Americano instant coffee, down from £6.50 to £3 at Asda.

SAVE: £3.50

Hot right now

AFTER festive bubbles? Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny premier cru champers, £21.99, won Good Housekeeping’s latest fizz taste test.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle
7
Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

Topics