Make your home a fortress this festive season

Your essential guide to home security this winter

- by David McLean

While we look forward to hunkering down for wintry warming gatherings over the festive period, darker nights often bring heightened concerns about home security.

Especially if you have something worth stealing... this time of year understandably leaves many of us feeling uneasy - and looking for ways to better protect our property.

And while the practical challenges of a break-in, such as dealing with insurance claims or cleaning up the aftermath, are significant... the emotional impact shouldn't be underestimated.

"There's a noticeable link between the onset of longer nights and heightened concerns about home security," highlights Anthony Threlfall, head of marketing at Everest.

"Beyond the financial implications, the emotional toll of a burglary can be life-altering," underlines Threlfall.

"We want to empower homeowners with practical advice to help them feel more secure and regain peace of mind."

A refined approach to home security

This begins with considered choices...

"Strengthening the foundational elements of your home - windows, doors, and exterior access points - is a powerful first step toward a more secure living environment," advises Threlfall.

"If you have a specific aesthetic in mind for your home, you don't have to choose between safety and style - they can go hand in hand."

Upgrade your windows