In the UK one of the most surprising statistics is the 2.1 million home burglaries every single year. That means a 1 in 12 chance of your home being burgled each and every year. Most of us share in common a concern about the security of our homes and shielding their valued contents from the prying eyes of burglars who can strike at any time, stripping the home until it is empty. Thinking about the safety of your home is not only natural but something worthy of your serious consideration from time to time.

Much like you deal with your computer’s protection by installing current anti-viruses, anti-spyware and other firewall software, protecting your residence from thieves is no different. It is essential you identify any potential threats surrounding how secure your residence is in reality.

Are there any ladders or other tools lying around which a burglar might use to get into your home? Do you have any kind of alarm system to alert you if there are intruders about? Should the answers to these questions signify problem areas, you need to address them.

To start with, bear in mind that burglars will usually stay clear of homes constantly occupied by people. That said, misinterpreting this to mean your family members at home are risk-free could be the greatest error of your life. Burglars do whatever necessary to reach their desired loot; they might even pose a threat to your family. And you will feel just as vulnerable if you are robbed of your valuables when not at home. The brazen invasion of your privacy and pervading threat against the sanctuary of your home will persist for quite some time.

Once you have listed the threats of a break-in, sound judgement and common sense can go a long way to securing your home and contents against any type of burglary. The best part is this may be easier than protecting your PC against viruses and malware.

Nowadays, home safety no longer involves just locking gates or our pet dog lurking in the driveway. Home break-ins take place with disconcerting frequency. The statistics suggest residential thefts are steadily increasing. Part of the reason is enhanced security in the corner stores, shopping centres and petrol stations thanks to ubiquitous CCTV and other alarm systems safeguarding their workers and assets. This causes the burglar to look for other moneymaking methods. Your house!

Thieves and drug users today face little or no challenge getting into your unguarded home, then helping themselves to whatever money or items they need. With both partners at work, sometimes it is the hired help, the cleaner, the nanny taking care of the children, who poses a threat.

That is why, when it comes to house sitting, it is so important to use the services of a reputable professional company, one like House and Home Sitters Ltd which has been successfully operating for years, and among its many outstanding reviews has a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot. This is a no-brainer for any occasions when you have to travel away from your home.

Developments in security systems utilising the internet now mean you can literally keep an eye on things when you are not at home, be alerted to anyone ringing your doorbell, set timers for the automated switching on of lights, opening and closing of blinds or curtains and fit discreetly small closed-circuit TV cameras for monitoring carers of your home, children or pets.

When going away, however, having someone simply pop in to clear the post and feed your cat will simply not cut it when it comes to deterring a would-be burglar. That is when you most need a professional sitter in your home who, most likely, will be even more “present” in your home than you are most of the time, will respect your privacy and protect your valued home, its contents and your pets (if any). Keep House and Home Sitters in mind, serving the whole of the UK, including Northern Island. We are here to help and serve you.

It is an old adage but a true one, by Benjamin Franklin: The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. Or should that read “no price”, as in the case of a “free” sitter? Far better that you get what you pay for and use one of our handpicked, insured, professional, friendly and reliable sitters at House and Home Sitters.

Written by David Price for House and Home Sitters Ltd, the professionals at your service, across the UK.