Home Security, Basic Tips and Advice
Now that summer is just around the corner, we all need to start thinking about securing our home, especially when on vacation. Here are a few basic tips for helping you keep your home secure.
Always Lock Doors and Windows
It sounds simple, but it’s very easy to leave doors and windows unlocked, especially if you are just slipping out to the shop for a few minutes. Unfortionately, this provides a classic opportunity for thieves.
Most burglaries are a result of a door or window being left open or unlocked. If your property doesn’t feature good locks, you can purchase high quality locks from any do-it-yourself store near you. Not only will this make your home more secure, it will also act as a strong deterrent as high quality locks send out strong signals that you are taking your home security seriously.
Don’t Leave Keys In View
Make sure you do your best to keep your keys out of sight, especially from unwanted individuals. If you have a key rack positioned near your front door, try moving it out the way. Some burglars gain entry by ‘fishing’ your keys off the rack. You also need to make sure you don’t have any keys left outside in hidden locations. Some people like to leave a spare key outside. Not only is this convenient for you, it’s also very convenient for anyone who wants to get into your home.
Think of Some Deterrents
There are ways to give the impression to potential intruders you’re still at home when you’re away overnight such as using timers for lights and radios. Also security lighting and visible burglar alarms are likely to put off any thieves as there will be more chance of them getting caught. It’s important if you do have security lighting, that it is placed in appropriate areas such as doorways and access points to the house.
Also, having a dog can be a good deterrent for burglars, especially if your pet does not welcome visitors. Potential burglars will not proceed to try and get into the house if they feel any attention will be drawn to them. In addition, you should close your curtains at night so burglars cannot see any valuable goods.
Most insurance companies will offer you additional things you can do to lower your risk of a burglary. After all, they want your home to be as secure as possible… they insure it.
Some Final Tips
To make you feel safer, if you have a solid door, you could get a ‘spy hole’ installed in your door, similar to what hotel rooms have, so you can see who is approaching the front of your house. Also, you could get a chain fitted to your lock so even if the intruder was able to get the door open, the chain would prevent them from forcing their way through. Furthermore, remove any garden tools or equipment lying around that could be used by burglars to break into your home, and check your home’s surroundings for anything that may help conceal a burglar.
It may sound far-fetched but shrubbery or bushes you have around your house are helpful for intruders to hide, so perhaps consider changing your home’s garden exterior to prevent this from happening. Also, reach out to the community and discover if you have any neighbourhood watch schemes or start one up yourself.
With summer vacations coming up, start thinking and planning now, and decide ahead of time if you need to make any adjustments to your home to make it more secure, especially while you’re away.