As summer temperatures rise across the UK, homeowners are throwing open their windows for fresh air — but this simple habit could be opening the door to burglars…
Security professionals are warning that warm weather often coincides with a spike in opportunistic break-ins, with unsecured or ajar windows among the most common points of entry. As temperatures climb and summer begins to settle over the UK, millions of households are throwing open their windows to let in the breeze. But security experts are cautioning that this simple seasonal habit could be leaving homes dangerously exposed.
According to My Home Improvements, a home renovation and security firm, opportunistic burglars are increasingly targeting unsecured windows—particularly those left ajar during warmer months. The warning comes amid a seasonal spike in break-ins, many of which exploit easily accessible entry points like ground-floor and side windows.
“Most break-ins aren’t high-tech operations,” said a spokesperson for My Home Improvements. “They’re about speed and opportunity. If a window looks like it’s easy to force or has been left unlocked, that’s often all it takes.”
To understand how burglars choose their targets, the firm consulted Rohan, a reformed offender from East London who now works with community crime prevention programmes.
“When the weather heats up, so do the opportunities,” Rohan said. “People leave their windows cracked open at night or when they nip out. If I saw no lock or just a flimsy frame, I’d be in and out in two minutes. But if there was a sash jammer or visible extra catch? I’d skip it. Not worth the risk.”
His account aligns with longstanding police advice: burglars look for the path of least resistance. And in many cases, an unprotected window is just that. Experts say a simple, inexpensive upgrade—like a sash jammer, window restrictor or secondary lock—can act as a major deterrent. Costing as little as £10, these small devices reinforce the window frame and make it significantly harder to force entry.
Such locks work with most types of windows, including sash, casement, sliding, and tilt-and-turn, are quick and easy to install and serve as a visible deterrent to would-be intruders. “For the price of a takeaway, you could make your home a lot less appealing to a burglar,” the My Home Improvements spokesperson said.
With more people sleeping with windows open or leaving them ajar while out of the house, the temptation for criminals is greater than ever. “Enjoy the fresh air, but be smart,” the spokesperson added. “Make sure your windows are secured—especially overnight or if no one’s home. Most burglars won’t force their way through if it means making noise or taking extra time.”
Authorities and security professionals continue to stress that burglary is often preventable. Visible deterrents like locks and jammers can drastically reduce your chances of being targeted. As the summer season gets underway, homeowners are urged to take simple precautions.
