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[Safeguarding your Home – PDF]
Homes without security measures put in place are 5 times more likely to get burgled than the ones that have simple security. Strong locks and good window locks can make a very big difference. Home safety must be among your top priorities when you are moving into a house. Here are some of the things you can do to protect your home:
1: Lock Your Windows
The latches (catches) manufacturers put on windows are not always effective, at times they are flimsy. You should replace them with key-operated levers or locks to help improve your security. Also, you might consider inserting tempered or laminated glass to have a stronger hold. 23% of home burglaries happen through the first-floor windows, but do not forget about securing your second-floor windows as well.
2: Secure Your Doors
Approximately 33% of burglars use the front door to enter homes. Hence, you should perform an inspection of your front door as well as all the doors around your home. Ensure the hinges are protected, the wood isn’t hollow and the frames are strong. If the door has a mail slot, make sure that someone cannot reach through it and unlock your door.
Avoid doors that come with glass near the doorknob. The front door can be a great focal point in your home, but do not sacrifice your security for a beautiful view. If your door does not have a deadbolt or a peephole, install them as soon as possible to help make your door even more secure.
Make sure you always lock your windows and doors when you are leaving the house, even when you are out in your garden. Remember to double-lock your UPVC doors (lift handle plus turn key). Hide all your keys out of sight, away from your letterbox. Keep in mind that someone can use a device to hook your keys through the letterbox).
3: Meet Your Neighbours
Neighbours can be an important first line when it comes to defence against home invasions. Your neighbours know the area, and they can help by keeping an eye on your house when you are away. If anything, suspicious happens in your area, one of your good neighbours will inform you.
4: Buy a Security System
Your home should have a security system, whether it is a fully monitored smart system or a basic do-it-yourself installation. Evaluate the needs of the area you reside and choose a system that you are comfortable with. Examples of the basic you can consider include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, motion sensors for the windows and doors as well as an alarm. As part of prevention measures, install a visible burglar alarm because a burglar alarm alone won’t prevent entry to your house.
5: Find Your Resources
Check for any neighbourhood watch schemes in your area, find information by contacting your local police, and try to find out what other resources that your area has to help in home safety. Some of the police forces can send an officer over your home to give you some tips on how to protect your home.
6: Eliminate Hiding Places
Bushes and shrubs may make your house attractive, but they also provide a burglar with a good place for hiding. Trim down plants and trees close to your house that burglars can use as a hiding place. Instead, you should opt for smaller flowers. Also, ensure the fences around the garden are in excellent condition and avoid privacy fences.
7: Install Good Outside Lighting
Although the majority of burglaries happen during the day, when you are at work, you should still secure your house at night. Makes sure you place lights around your home. For added protection, you should use lights that are equipped with motion sensors. When a motion light turns on, it indicates that something is happening. An intruder is less likely to break into your home if there’s a spotlight on them.
8: Add Security Signs
Most security providers include window decals with security packages. This helps to deter any potential burglar. Put them up if you have them. If you do not have a security system, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of fake signage. The belief that there is a security system in your home can sometimes be as effective as having one.
Remember that the goal is not to make your home completely break-in proof, it’s simply to make your home a less attractive target to burglars than the other homes in your area. Look at the houses in your neighbourhood and adjust accordingly.
