Your home is more than bricks and mortar; it is where you store some of your most precious things – including your family. So the security of your home should never come as a second thought.
As a point of interest, before moving to a new area, you should check out the local crime rate. However, even if you are moving to the safest place in Britain, you should never take your safety for granted.
Here are some ways you can make sure your home is safe and secure.
Outside The Property
An enclosed property can be a put off for potential thieves, because not only do they have to break into your home or car, but they have to break through gates. If you can’t enclose your property completely, then make it an undesirable target by using a ‘CCTV’ sign (even if you don’t have one) or by clamping your car at night. This shows that you take your security seriously and won’t be an easy job. Visible burglar alarms will also have the same effect – but make sure they are working, as a skilled thief will know the difference between an active alarm and otherwise.
Break-in Points
Areas which will allow a burglar to gain entrance into your home can be things you would never normally think of, like a dog door. Secure it overnight and while you’re out. Avoid having doors that contain glass near the handles, and don’t leave keys in the lock overnight – a lock-picker can quickly push it out with ease and keep the tumblers in place to unlock the door. The same goes for keeping your keys within reach of the door, as a hand through the letter-box may be all it takes to gain entry to your home.
Locks
Ensure the security of your home by having the right locks and enforcement. Single pane windows, for example, are easier to break than double glazed. The same goes for a basic wooden door compared to something like composite doors. Upgrading the weaker parts of your home will increase your security immediately. You can also employ more than one sort of lock; for extra security at night, the use of a deadbolt will help if anyone does try to pick your locks. Make sure that you extend the vigilance to your garage, outhouses and any other place you would store expensive items.
Avoid Temptation
Leaving an IPad in full view of the street, or leaving the car running while you run back into the house is just tempting someone to steal things. Make sure as much technology as possible is out of view from passers-by, never leave your keys in the car when you’re not there, and even go as far as shutting your car in a garage overnight if you can.
Security Systems
Security systems come in all shapes and sizes – you can have the basic outdoor alarm that will alert you to anyone on your property. You could also have Verisure monitored alarm systems installed and receive 24-hour security, 7 days a week.
There also motion alarms that link to your doors or will activate if something is moving on the lower levels of the house. The later isn’t the best idea for houses with pets, however. If you wish, you can have full security systems installed that include alarms and cameras which link to a security team. But, with technology the way it is, a security system for the average home doesn’t have to be that extensive and can be monitored by yourself wherever you are. Smart home systems like Google’s nest now include home security, so you may already have on ready to go.
Neighbourhood
Another simple thing you can do for the security of your home is to get to know your neighbours. Making friends with the people on your street means that there will be other eyes looking for anything suspicious. It also means that you have people who will keep an eye on your home while you are away for the day or on holiday.
Light It Up
You can use floodlights or a movement detecting light. It might be annoying when the neighbour’s cat keeps making it go off, but it will also scare off anyone trying to break into your house.
I didn’t realise that you should take the door key out at night! I will do from now on!