Top Tips for Home Security
1. Be in when you’re out
One of the most important factors to consider when you’re going away for a considerable period of time is to invest in a high-quality home alarm system. With 17% of UK homeowners only having basic home security measures in place**, updating your home security is a vital step in protecting your valuables.
A wide range of smart home alarms is now available to make securing your home even more effective. These smart alarms provide you with the ability to remotely control your home security via a smartphone, receive notifications and images if the system is triggered when you’re away – so you can be ‘in’, even when you’re out!
2. Upgrade your security standards
An important step that should be a priority when upgrading your home security is to ensure that external timber doors are secured with a mortice lock and/or nightlatch, and these must meet with British Standard BS3621. Similarly, if you have a PVCu or composite door, you could also consider upgrading to a British Standard TS007 Kitemarked model.
3. Forgot if you’ve locked the door?
Another big concern for holidaymakers is the niggling feeling of whether you’ve locked your front door whilst you’re away. The introduction of smart door locks means that you can check this remotely using an app. There’s also the opportunity to send friends, family or neighbours a temporary pin code or mobile key, granting them short-term access to your property while you’re away.
4. Windows need locks too
Many windows have locks so, even though it sounds obvious, remember to lock them.
If yours don’t have locks, invest in some for extra security. And don’t leave keys in them. All a burglar has to do is smash the glass and turn the key.
5. Fence me in
Burglars are often put off if breaking and entering is too difficult. Make it harder for them by installing high fences that are difficult to climb.
6. Don’t forget the shed
It’s worth fitting a heavy-duty padlock that can withstand all weathers.
Maximum strength padlocks (rating 7-10) are highly recommended as they can withstand the great British weather, even in exposed locations such as homes by the sea.
And don’t forget to secure what’s inside the shed or outbuilding as well.
Anchors and cables can be used to loop through expensive items such as bike wheels or lawnmower handles to provide an extra level of protection if an intruder does manage to gain entry.
7. Hide it away
Don’t leave valuables in sight through the window.
Hide expensive items such as laptops, tablets and phones away from sight. This will make burglars less interested in what’s on show.
8. Make your home look lived in
Today’s domestic burglars pick up on little hints suggesting that a home is not being lived in; post piling up, newspapers through the letterbox and milk being left on the doorstep are all tell-tale signs that a house is currently unoccupied.
One easy to way to rectify this is to cancel all services whilst you’re away.
The Royal Mail’s ‘Keepsafe’ scheme holds onto all your letters and parcels for up to 66 days, delivering them back to you upon your return.
9. Don’t check in online
When you finally arrive at your holiday destination, the urge to ‘check in’ on social media is certainly there, but this can be very risky. The modern-day burglar is very shrewd and will more than likely be stalking social media accounts to see who’s away, and checking in online could mean you’re their first target. We advise checking your security settings before posting or simply waiting until you get home to post those holiday snaps.
