At SMR Locksmiths Ltd, we often see a spike in callouts during the warmer months, and not just because of faulty locks or broken keys. Many of our clients find themselves victims of break-ins that occur simply because a window was left ajar, a garden gate was unlocked, or a patio door wasn’t properly secured.
While many assume winter is the high-risk season for burglaries, official crime data shows that summer often sees a rise in break-ins — particularly those classed as opportunistic.
According to Plumplot, South West London recorded approximately 5,500 burglaries between April 2024 and March 2025 — about 6 burglaries per 1,000 residents, which is 47% higher than the national average.
What’s driving this rise?
Burglars thrive on opportunity — and summer provides plenty.
Let’s take a closer look at how some of the communities we serve are affected.
Recent figures show Streatham St Leonard’s experienced a total crime rate of 99.3 per 1,000 residents in 2023. While this includes all crimes, burglary remains a concern during warmer months when residents relax their guard.
Source: Crystal Roof Crime Reports
In Wandsworth, Balham stood out as one of the top burglary hotspots, according to a local safety assessment. It was highlighted as a priority for residential crime reduction.
Source: Wandsworth Council Safety Survey (PDF)
Tooting has seen increased concern around burglary and general safety, with residents frequently discussing local break-ins on community forums. Though harder to quantify, these anecdotal reports reflect a growing need for home security improvements.
Example: Reddit discussion on area safety
These stats and sentiments reflect a wider pattern across Lambeth and Wandsworth boroughs:
Source: Fahrenheit Security Crime Reports
We’ve attended countless jobs across South West London in Streatham, Tooting, Clapham, and Balham where preventable issues have led to break-ins. Here are the summer habits that burglars love to exploit:
They let you ventilate your home while preventing windows from being opened wide enough for entry — especially useful for ground floors.
Older or standard locks may not stand up to today’s break-in methods like lock snapping or bumping. We recommend:
SMR Locksmiths Ltd can upgrade these affordably and often within one visit.
Tools and bikes are prime targets. Use:
Your garden gate and surrounding perimeter might feel like secondary concerns when it comes to home security, but they’re actually among the most common weak spots that burglars exploit — especially in South West London where many homes have easy side access or shared alleyways.
Side passages are often out of view from the street or neighbours, giving intruders the privacy they need to attempt a break-in. Installing sturdy, lockable bolts on all gates — especially those leading to the rear of the property — is a must. Look for:
Ensure the gate opens inward if possible — this makes it harder for someone to force it open from the outside.
Burglars favour properties with low or damaged fences, or those where overgrown bushes provide cover. To reduce risk:
Motion-activated security lighting near gates and garden entrances is an excellent deterrent. A well-lit perimeter discourages loitering and makes it harder for someone to approach your property undetected.
Patio doors and French doors — especially those fitted a decade or more ago — can be a major vulnerability. They’re often located at the rear of the property, out of sight, and many older models were not designed to resist today’s common break-in techniques such as levering, prying or lock snapping.
For a quick and cost-effective security upgrade, consider installing:
These added reinforcements dramatically reduce the risk of forced entry — especially when you’re out or asleep.
If your patio or French doors have basic cylinder locks, they may be vulnerable to common techniques like snapping or bumping. Upgrading to:
…can make a huge difference not only in protection but also in meeting insurance requirements.
Older single-pane glass is easy to shatter. Replacing this with laminated or toughened double glazing makes entry much harder and adds insulation benefits too. Some modern units even feature integrated blinds or anti-shatter film for added security.
Today’s home security options are affordable and user-friendly:
Even a small investment in smart devices can significantly boost deterrence.
Many homeowners don’t realise that non-compliant locks can invalidate burglary insurance claims. Check if your locks meet:
At SMR Locksmiths, we offer free lock compliance checks across South West London to ensure you’re fully protected.
No one ever wants to return home to find signs of a break-in — it’s distressing, unsettling, and often deeply personal. But knowing how to respond calmly and correctly can make a huge difference in both your safety and how quickly your home is made secure again.
If you suspect your property has been broken into — whether you see a broken window, a forced lock, or the front door ajar — do not enter the premises. The intruder may still be inside, or you may inadvertently disturb important evidence. Instead, move to a safe location and dial 999 to report the incident. The police will attend, assess the scene, and begin their investigation.
Even if the scene appears calm, resist the urge to tidy up or inspect your belongings. Burglars often leave behind fingerprints or traces of evidence, and handling anything could compromise the police’s ability to collect that evidence. Wait until they’ve given the all-clear before entering or touching anything.
Once the police have completed their checks and given permission to re-enter, it’s essential to secure your home without delay. Broken locks, damaged doors, or smashed windows can leave your property exposed to further risk. That’s where we come in.
SMR Locksmiths Ltd provides a fast, professional, and compassionate emergency locksmith service — available 24/7, even on weekends and bank holidays. Whether you’re in Clapham, Streatham, Tooting, Balham, Norbury, or Brixton, our local locksmiths can be with you promptly to:
Once the immediate repairs are done, it’s worth having a full security audit. We can assess weak points in your property’s defences and recommend upgrades — from anti-snap locks and reinforced door frames to smart alarms and CCTV systems.
After police attendance and emergency repairs, don’t forget to contact your home insurance provider. They will likely require a crime reference number (provided by the police) and details of any losses or damage. Our team can provide written reports and invoices to support your claim.
We’ve worked in the community for years and understand the unique pressures of living in South West London — from terrace houses to tower blocks.
Whether you need:
We’re here to help — fast, friendly and fully insured.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get your locks checked, your doors reinforced, and your peace of mind restored.
Enjoy the sunshine — but don’t let your guard down.
