Summer is a time for barbecues, road trips, and outdoor fun. But it’s also the season when home break-ins spike.
Why?
Because many people leave their windows open, spend long hours away, or take extended holidays—making their homes easier targets for opportunistic thieves.
The good news? You don’t need to turn your house into a fortress. A few smart security upgrades and everyday habits can drastically reduce your risk and help you enjoy summer with peace of mind.
Let’s dive into 5 simple, effective ways to secure your home this summer—without overcomplicating things.
1. Reinforce Entry Points: Start With Doors and Windows
Most burglars don’t break in using high-tech gadgets—they go through the front door, back door, or a ground-floor window. That’s why the first step in any summer home security plan is reinforcing your entry points.
Here’s what to check:
- Door locks: Are you still using basic knob locks? Upgrade to deadbolts (preferably Grade 1 or 2). Consider keyless or smart locks for added convenience while you’re away.
- Strike plates: Reinforce them with 3-inch screws that anchor into the door frame. This makes it much harder for someone to kick the door in.
- Windows: Install window locks or pin locks to prevent them from being opened from the outside—even if they’re left slightly ajar for ventilation.
- Sliding patio doors: These are easy to pry open. Add a security bar or foot lock, and ensure the rollers and latches are in good shape.
💡 Pro tip: At Hogans Locksmith, we often get summer callouts from homeowners who didn’t realise how vulnerable their old locks had become. A quick home security inspection can reveal weak spots you didn’t know existed.
2. Don’t Broadcast Your Holiday Plans
We get it—you’re excited about your beach getaway or weekend in Galway. But posting about it before or during your trip tells the world, “Hey, my house is empty!”
Burglars today use social media to spot easy targets. And it’s not just strangers—sometimes it’s acquaintances who know your routines.
Here’s how to stay smart:
- Save the holiday posts until you’re home.
- Ask a neighbour or friend to bring in your post, open/close blinds, or park in your drive while you’re away.
- Use automatic timers or smart plugs to control lights and devices so your home looks lived-in.
- Cancel unnecessary deliveries (newspapers, parcels) that might pile up and signal an empty home.
Criminals look for patterns. Breaking those patterns—by creating the illusion of presence—goes a long way in preventing break-ins.
3. Upgrade Outdoor Lighting and Visibility
Summer means longer daylight hours—but it also means late evenings outside, dimmer corners, and more people walking by. Good lighting is one of the simplest deterrents to burglary.
Focus on:
- Motion-sensor lights near doors, driveways, and side passages
- Solar lights along walkways or gardens
- Smart outdoor lighting systems that can be controlled remotely or put on a schedule
Also, trim back overgrown hedges or trees that create hiding spots near windows or doors. A clean, visible exterior removes the cover burglars love to hide behind.
Think like a burglar: if your home is well-lit and in full view, they’re more likely to skip it.
4. Invest in Smart Security (It’s Easier Than You Think)
You don’t need a high-end, wired system with monthly fees to benefit from smart home security anymore. Today’s DIY and low-cost systems are incredibly effective and user-friendly.
Consider:
- Video doorbells: See and talk to anyone at your door, even when you’re on holiday.
- Smart locks: Let friends or neighbours in remotely—no need to leave a key under the mat.
- Indoor/outdoor cameras: Record motion events and send alerts to your phone.
- Smart alarms: Easy to install and controlled by mobile apps.
What’s great is that many of these systems don’t require professional installation—but if you’d rather not mess with it, Hogans Locksmith can help with setup and system integration.
You’ll feel better knowing you can check in on your home anytime, from anywhere.
5. Don’t Forget About the Garage and Shed
A lot of people secure their homes but completely forget about outbuildings—which can be a goldmine for thieves.
Garages, sheds, and garden rooms often contain:
- Expensive tools or equipment
- Bicycles or lawnmowers
- Spare keys or car access
Protect these areas with:
- High-quality padlocks or hasp & staple systems
- Garage door bolts or smart controllers
- Window film to obscure visibility into sheds or workshops
- Anchor points or bike locks inside the shed
It only takes a few minutes for someone to break into a shed with a cheap lock—and walk off with hundreds of euro worth of gear.
Bonus: Get a Home Security Checkup
If you’re not sure how secure your home really is, or it’s been years since you’ve reviewed your locks and systems, now is the perfect time to schedule a home security audit.
At Hogans Locksmith, we offer friendly, expert advice to homeowners across Roscrea, Nenagh, Thurles, Birr, and beyond. We’ll assess:
- Lock condition
- Entry point vulnerabilities
- Outbuilding security
- Safe installation or upgrades
- Key storage and duplication practices
You’ll walk away with a clear picture of how secure your home is—and what small changes can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts: Summer Is for Relaxing—Not Worrying About Break-Ins
Securing your home doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. In fact, most burglaries are opportunistic—and just a few small upgrades are enough to make a would-be intruder move on.
So before you head out for that weekend road trip or sun-soaked holiday, take some time to shore up your home security:
- Lock up properly
- Add lighting
- Use smart tech
- Protect sheds and garages
- Be mindful of what you share
Because nothing ruins a holiday like coming home to find something’s gone wrong.
Need help upgrading your locks or planning your summer security checklist?
Contact Hogans Locksmith—your trusted local expert serving Roscrea, Nenagh, and the surrounding area for over 30 years. We’re here to help you keep what matters safe.