UK homeowners are being urged to make a beeline for their local DIY stores this month following an urgent security warning. Property specialists are advising households to squeeze in a shopping trip to places like B&Q, Screwfix, and Homebase in September to prevent falling prey to an often-overlooked security blunder that could leave homeowners £3,000 out of pocket 'if left too late'.

When it comes to home upkeep, most people immediately think of giving a worn-out front door a fresh coat of paint or sorting out that pesky dripping tap. However, according to one property expert, the real threat to your wallet and safety could be hiding in something far less glamorous—the locks on your doors and windows.

Michael Smith , a property expert and founder of Bluefield Realty Group , cautions

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