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Written by The McCarthy's Team on November 11, 2016

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As the dark nights draw in we could all be forgiven for being concerned about what potentially is (but hopefully isn’t) lurking in the shadows.

As a society we are becoming ever more aware of our own personal safety and the safety of our loved ones and homes. But we were still shocked when we recently saw an article in the Yorkshire Post  reporting that a home burglary happens every 40 seconds in the UK, a marked increase when compared to figures found in previous years.

Authorities suggest that the rise may be down to the crooks’ increasingly updated knowledge and the public’s apparent carelessness. When we should be exercising extreme caution many are instead relying on old fashioned tactics such as the protection of a pet pooch from potential intruders, leaving radio or TV chattering away to create an illusion of conversation and the old classic of leaving the lights on.

But are these tactics, which haven’t changed in decades, really enough? Experts are instead recommending that the public install CCTV systems outside, smart cameras inside, double lock exterior doors (which can also bring down the cost of home insurance), that they lock entry points such as doors and windows and create good relationships with neighbours or even implement a neighbourhood watch programme, to keep an eye out for each other.

These top tips come as a result of National Home Security Month which took place in October. The initiative aims to bring awareness ahead of the sharp uprising of break ins winter brings with it. This is due to diminished visibility brought by dark nights and an increase of valuable items being kept in the home ahead of Christmas.

With all of this in mind you’re probably wondering where is best to store your precious belongings. If you’re looking for somewhere outside the home, McCarthy’s has a range of different storage options available for customers including smaller units priced from only £6 per week. Each space comes with 24/7 CCTV monitoring and individual locks, for which only you hold the key – we don’t even have access to your unit. The storage centre itself is only accessible via your unique pin code, so we can monitor who goes in and out of the building. These spaces are perfect for just about anything – storing your Christmas presents, bikes or knick-knacks – but also everyday items often left in the garden such as ladders, tools and garden furniture. Whilst they aren’t being used by you post-summer, they could be extremely useful to a thief and are best kept locked away. We also offer various other storage options such as student storage, business storage, container storage and vehicle storage, each one coming complete with its own features and benefits, and plenty of security.

And if you have inquisitive little ones getting some big toys this Christmas it’s definitely not a bad idea to keep the pressies hidden away with us before Santa comes!