Top 10 Home Security TIPS

Our Top 13 Home Security Advice and Tips

In terms of some general security tips then we’d suggest the following:-

1. Review the Exterior Of Your House

Start by reviewing the exterior of your property to make sure there are no broken windows or access to your property through garages or conservatories.  Lock any tools and items such as ladders away

2. Are Your Doors and Windows Secure

Ask a vetted, inspected and qualified locksmith to review your door and window security  (including internal doors to conservatories and garages) to make sure all of your windows and doors have the most appropriate locks, they are in good condition, properly fitted and meet your insurance requirements

A Lock that has been Incorrectly Fitted

The lock below has been fitted incorrectly and this leaves the lock vulnerable to attack and therefore the property at risk.

A euro cylinder lock that has been poorly fitted and at risk of being snapped

3. Beware of Opportunist Thieves

Opportunist thieves can often approach houses that look like nobody is at home so consider installing a number of light timers around the house so it appears someone is home

Install light timers around the house to deter burglars.

 

4. Front and Back Door Sensor Lighting

Dusk to dawn or sensor lighting to the front and back door of your home will deter potential thieves and help you gain entry into your home in the dark

A well lit home with sensor lights will deter burglars

BONUS TIP: Ensure you place a light timer upstairs in your property

5. Security Alarms – Regularly Change The Code

Alarms can be very effective but you need to change the code regularly to gain maximum benefit from them

Remember for change the code on your home alarm system regularly

6. Protect the Windows with Security Grilles or Bars

Side windows in a house can can be smashed to reach keys and gain entry so consider adding reinforced glass or maybe even block up the window.  Decorative grilles and bars can also vastly improve the security of a home without being detrimental to the aesthetics.

Secure your windows with a security grille

7. Home Security Safes

 Home safes are becoming increasingly popular too, so you may want to consider asking a specialist locksmith to specify and install a safe

A home safe can protect your personal valuables

8.  Protect your French Doors and UPVC Doors

 You may also want to install top and bottom bolts on French doors or add sash jammers to UPVC doors

9. When Were Your Keys Last Replaced?

While you are reviewing your security it is also worth considering when your keys were last replaced, whether past owners or tenants may still have access to your home and whether anyone may have made copies of your keys without your knowledge.  If you are worried ask a professional locksmith to change your locks and fit a patented system, whereby keys can only be copied with proof of ownership

When did you last replace your house keys?

10.  Common Bad Habits

 Consider your own influence on the level of security for your home and make sure you don’t indulge bad habits such as leaving keys in locks or in view that you and your family may have.  Simple tips such as always setting alarms, changing codes on a frequent basis and locking any side or back gates can make a substantial difference and deter attack

Remember to take your key out of the lock

11.  Protect Your Garden Shed

 Make sure you source a good quality lock to protect your garden shed and its contents, if you have one. (http://www.firewatchguards.com/) is a good source of advice on security products)

Protect your shed with a padlock – image courtesy

 

12. Car Keys are at Risk in the Home As Well

 Statistics show that thieves are increasingly breaking into homes to steal car keys so don’t make it easy for them by leaving keys in view

 

Car keys are at risk as well