Most people know that burglaries happen everyday and that home security is of upmost importance, but we tend to focus on Christmas and New Year as times to be extra vigilant or perhaps the hot summer months when back doors and windows are kept ajar.

Unfortunately burglaries take place not just at these perhaps peak times, but at every opportunity. Some burglars are just that, opportunists. They see a dark house, surrounded by shrubs with no sign of anybody around, and just force entry. Others use distraction methods, these are burglars which tend to focus on elderly residents who don’t appear to be in any sort of neighbourhood watch scheme. They focus on the vulnerable, perhaps assuming that they are short of sight or hearing, would possibly keep large amounts of cash in the house etc.

But we do have to remember also that there are those burglars that scan the papers for obituaries.

Unfortunately it is at these times when we are mourning that we tend not to be at our most vigilant.  How many times have we all seen in the local paper a line in an obituary stating...

"Funeral Service will be held at xxx on Friday 8th May at 11.30am, all friends welcome"?

A great tip would be to always get a house sitter just whilst you are attending the funeral, this way your house is not at risk and you can say goodbye to your loved ones secure in the fact that your home is safe. A second tip perhaps is to word an obituary in the following way... 

"Funeral Service will be held shortly, please call – (Mobile Number) – to request the details of where and when the service will take place.  All friends welcome"

This way the information is available to everyone that needs to know and they can call and find out from yourself as to where and when the service will take place.

Also always try to use a mobile number if you need to advertise one at all. If you use your home telephone number this is another opportunity for a burglar to check whether you are at home or not.