The school run has begun again. Households are returning to their regular routines. With so much going on, it’s easy to overlook home security.
Yet as autumn arrives, this becomes prime time for burglars. Aviva reported that 2023 saw a 34% increase in claims for theft via forcible entry between September and October, and a 10% increase between October and November. Empty houses during school hours. Darker evenings creeping in. The chaos of busy mornings. They all create opportunities for intruders.
That’s why it is essential that your security efforts are in top condition as summer comes to an end.
Ready to ensure your locks, doors, and security systems are prepared? Below, we have outlined five practical ways to keep your home secure during the back-to-school season. From lock integrity inspections to upgrading to smart solutions, these tips will help you protect what matters most.
1. Check Your Locks After Summer Wear and Tear
This year’s (2025) record-breaking summer heat, with four heat waves and the highest temperature recorded at 35.8C, gave parents plenty of ways to keep kids entertained on their summer holidays, but the conditions proved tough on property, gardens and water supplies. 8.5 million UK households were affected by hosepipe bans, as efforts were made to save water. The high temperatures and humidity put pressure on locks and door mechanisms too. Add in constant use, and kids rushing in and out, slamming doors behind them, and the wear and tear accelerates.
Take a few minutes to test every entry point in your home. Answer these questions:
- Does the key turn smoothly in the lock or does it stick?
- Do handles operate easily or do they feel loose?
- Are windows closing tightly and locking securely?
Even minor stiffness or difficulty in locking a door can be an early sign of a failing mechanism. That could leave your home vulnerable to break-ins.
When you address these small issues now, you can save them from developing into bigger headaches later. Whether you spot a rusted lock or find your key is difficult to turn in the lock, these are signs to call a professional locksmith. By repairing or upgrading your locks quickly, your home remains secure before the school year is in full swing.
2. Go Keyless with a Smart Lock for Busy Families
Hectic. That’s usually the word that comes to mind with back-to-school mornings. Bags to pack, shoes to find, packed lunches to prepare. In the mad rush, it’s not uncommon for keys to get lost or for children to lock themselves out.
That’s why smart locks supply an ideal solution for busy families.
A keyless system, such as the Yale Conexis L2 smart lock, allows you to unlock your front door using a smartphone, key card, or even a fob. This means no more misplaced keys. No more panicked calls when the kids arrive home before you. Additionally, smart locks allow you to set flexible access for different family members. As an example, a teenager could be given their own code, which can be monitored and changed if needed.
It’s not only about convenience. Smart locks also enhance security. Many models incorporate tamper alerts and activity logs. That means you know exactly who has accessed your home and when they accessed it. Some locks can even be integrated with wider home security systems, giving you complete peace of mind while you’re at work or on the school run.
3. Secure Your Home During Empty School Hours
When school starts, most homes stand empty for long stretches of the day. These are prime opportunities for burglars as they know confrontations will be minimal. As a result, securing your property during those unattended hours is crucial.
Start with the basics: make sure all windows and doors are properly shut and locked before you leave. Teach children the importance of locking up, even if they’re only home for a short while. Avoid leaving spare keys under mats, in or under plant pots, or in any other obvious hiding spots that would-be intruders will check, instead, consider handing them to a reliable relative or neighbour for safe keeping.
Next, consider investing in additional deterrents. CCTV or video doorbells such as Ring deliver both visibility and peace of mind, letting you check in on your home remotely. Upgrading to anti-snap locks can also make it much harder for burglars to force entry.
After the summer holidays, when children have been using their tech more often at home, it’s easy for their devices to be left lying around. Opportunistic burglars might choose to break in based on what they can see at a glance, so make a habit of keeping tablets, laptops, and other valuables out of sight from windows.
Simple, yes, but these steps are effective. They make your home less attractive to opportunistic intruders while everyone is out for the day.
4. Prepare for Autumn’s Darker Evenings
As summer fades, daylight hours get shorter. Criminals prefer cover, and that’s exactly what they gain with longer evenings. According to ONS statistics, 60% of burglaries occur between 6pm and 6am.
A few preventative measures can significantly reduce the risks. Start outdoors by trimming back hedges, bushes, and trees that could conceal intruders. Well-lit garden paths and driveways are recommended. Motion-activated security lights are an affordable, effective method to deter unwanted visitors.
Don’t overlook your outbuildings, including garages, sheds, garden offices, or summerhouses. These can all contain expensive tools, belongings and equipment, yet are sometimes left poorly secured. Install motion activated lighting near your outbuildings, along with monitoring their doors and windows to ensure they are in good condition. Investing in a suitable lock, padlock or alarm system for your outdoor buildings and storage can help to prevent opportunistic theft.
5. Know When to Call LockRite’s Accredited Locksmiths
Regular home checks are essential. However, sometimes those DIY fixes aren’t enough. Certain problems require a professional eye to keep your home secure. Are your keys becoming harder to turn? Locks jamming? Are doors not closing properly? These are early warning signs not to ignore. Similarly, if you’ve lost keys or recently moved into a new property, replacing locks is the safest course of action.
LockRite’s network of professional, accredited locksmiths across the UK can assist with everything from repairing worn lock mechanisms to fitting advanced security solutions like anti-snap locks and smart systems. All our locksmiths are DBS-checked and can offer fast, reliable service when you need it most.
Knowing when to call in the experts means your home is secure, yes, but that’s not all. It also futureproofs your property against potential risks. Ultimately, it’s about eliminating those worries. Do this, and you can focus on family life and the new school year ahead with added confidence.
Search for your local locksmith or call 0800 0612 677 to speak with our team.
