Home Security
March 6, 2015
Home Security
Your home usually contains your most valuable and treasured possessions, so it makes sense to keep them properly protected.
Whilst Home security can be an expensive process, you can put in place a number of inexpensive measures to beat the thieves.
Improving the security of your home not only helps to reduce the chances of you ever having to submit an insurance claim, but more importantly gives you and your family peace of mind.
A few tips are reproduced below;
Secure your windows
A commonly used method of entry is via a back window – but even the simplest of window locks will help put them off.
With a Lock in place an intruder will have to smash the window,and sound of breaking glass attracts unwanted attention to the intruder. It is a good idea to fit locks on all downstairs windows, and some upstairs too For instance where you have a flat roof below. The old style French doors can prove somewhat insecure and should to be fitted with key operated locking device.
Have a look from outside; any window positioned by a drainpipe for example, is an easy target for an opportunist thief. Also, be sure to keep window keys out of the locks and hidden out of sight.
Lock your doors
It’s not only a requirement of your policy but it is absolutely crucial that your home’s front and back doors are secure. Both the doors and their frames must be sturdy and in good condition – any that are old, decaying or weak need repair or replacement.
Fit the doors with bolts and deadlocks. Make sure that you use all the locks even if popping out for a short time. Many households do not use all the locks on their doors, believing a turn of the key to be sufficient. Fastening all the locks and bolts makes a door a lot harder to force open.
Patio doors can often be a weak point as they are not always fitted with a key operated locking device.
Multi-locking point systems designed specifically for patio doors (with at least 3 locking points) are recommended.
Extra deterrents
The easiest way for a thief to gain access to your home is by walking through the front door.
So do not leave Keys under the doormat or plant pot, they are the first places a thief will look.
Other deterrents include:
- Outdoor lighting, with or without motion sensors. Unlit properties provide the perfect hunting ground for burglars, allowing them to sneak in and out unnoticed.
- A burglar alarm visible from the street will also help put potential thieves off.
- Remove any valuables from your window ledges. It is not advisable to tempt the thief into performing a smash and grab raid.
- Timer switches are relatively inexpensive, easy to use and yet a very useful tool against burglars. Using timer switches, lights and lamps can be set to automatically come on at a certain time, giving the impression that there is someone home even when the house is empty.
- Don’t leave ladders or garden tool lying around on your drive or in the garden when you’re out, they only help thieves force their way into your home.
If you are going away arrange for someone to look after the house, take your post from the front door mat.If possible drawing curtains and opening them so that it appears that the home is occupied.