Protect yourself from a predicted spike in burglary and foil thieves with these expert tips

WHO has that Friday feeling?

You might be preparing for a big night out, but burglars may have plans too.

There has been a 35-per-cent fall in thefts in the pandemic, which may mean a spike as we ease out of it, warns online security store safe.co.uk.

But you can foil thieves with these expert tips.

BIKE SHED: “We have seen a 66-per-cent increase in bicycle theft claims since March 2020 when the we first went into lockdown, compared with the previous year,” reveals David Fowkes, head of household underwriting at insurer Admiral.

“So ensure your bike is covered on home insurance and never leave it unsecured outside your home.”

My tip: Kryptonite locks are from £16 at Halfords, or buy pricier, sturdier ones and spread the cost.

At the moment, you can get a free car MOT if you buy any retail item in store or online at Halfords, which is a saving of at least £40.

HOUSE: Unlocked front doors are the No1 way in for burglars, warns safe.co.uk boss Anthony Neary.

He also warns: “Only 14 per cent of homes have video doorbells but not only do these act as a deterrent, they record activity and notify a chosen phone, giving time to call the police, as well recording evidence for insurance claims.

My Tip: Anthony recommends the ERA Protect Smart Video Doorbell, now down a tenner to £129 at safe.co.uk.

GARDEN: There are easy steps to protect outdoor items, advises Sarah Applegate, head of risk at insurer Aviva.

She says: “Ensure gates and garden buildings are secured, lock away portable items in the evening, replace rusty padlocks and secure ladders and wheelie bins — the perfect leg-up for burglars.

Also be careful what possessions you show on social media — you never know who may be watching.”

My Tip: At Homebase, you can get a Master Lock Padlock for £8.60 but I have seen two-packs for just over a tenner on second-hand auction sites.

• All prices on this page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of day

GRAB a Pizza Express margherita pizza from Sainsbury’s for just £2.50, down from £5.

SAVE: £2.50

Cheap treat

ENJOY a five-pack of Nature Valley maple syrup granola bars from Tesco for just £1 when using your Clubcard. Usually £2.39.

SAVE: £1.39

Giselle’s little helper

GREGGS is back open and O2 customers can once again use the Priority app every Friday or Saturday (7am-11am) to get a FREE breakfast roll or sausage roll or cheese and onion bake.

The codes for the freebie are released at 7am. So set your alarms!

Top swap

YOU can’t go far wrong with classic Converse black All Star Oxford trainers for £52 at Schuh, but as Primark is back open, I’ll nab a pair of the store’s similar, black-canvas, low-top trainers for £6.

SAVE: £46

Big news!

FROM now until midnight on April 25, TopCashback.co.uk members can earn eight-per-cent cashback, to a maximum payment of £15 when shopping in store at Tesco.

All members need to do is visit the in-store section at topcashback.co.uk for full T&Cs and to activate the offer.

Shop & save

STOCK up on Aunt Bessie’s Glorious Golden Yorkshire Puddings, ten for £1 at Asda, usually £1.55.

SAVE: 55p

Hot right now

HIT the Asos.com sale now for up to 80 per cent off on thousands of items.

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