It is estimated that a burglary occurs in the UK every 40 seconds. Having your belongings stolen can be extremely traumatic and lead to significant financial loss. Being burgled can also cause serious emotional distress and leave you feeling unsafe in your home. Homeowners should take home security seriously and take action to keep their valuables safe. Fortunately, there are many ways to safeguard your home and valuables against the risk of theft. Here are some top security tips to protect your home.
Secure your doors
A recent study by moneysupermarket.com found that 74% of burglars gain entry to a home through the front door. Locking your front door is essential, but this is often not enough to protect your home. The same study found that almost 30% of burglars force the lock on the front door to access a property. Inspect your front doors to make sure that they are sturdy, and pay close attention to the hinges and frames. If your front door appears worn or damaged, then it’s probably time to replace it with a more secure design. Try to avoid doors with a built-in letterbox if possible, as burglars can use these to open your front door from the outside. When you move to a new property, you should always change the locks on your doors. There is no guarantee that the previous tenants handed all keys back, and you risk someone gaining access to your home if you fail to have the front door lock replaced. You can reinforce your front door with adjustments such as installing a deadbolt or upgrading to smart locks. If you are worried about the vulnerability of your windows too, you may want to look at installing security windows or tinting them with businesses such as Campbell Window Film, to add another layer of protection. You can’t have too much.
Install a security system
Installing a home security system is fundamental when it comes to protecting your home from burglars. Every home should have some form of security system in place, whether it’s a basic DIY burglar alarm or a state-of-the-art smart security system. There is a huge variety of home security systems on the market today, and you should be able to find something to suit your budget. The best security system for your home will depend on several factors, including your budget and the crime rates in your neighbourhood. Your local police force may be able to offer advice on the level of protection required in your area. You can go to sites like https://patriot1tech.com/patscan/multi-sensor/ for examples of ideal security systems.
When choosing a security system, it’s important to consider the features that are most important to you. Some systems come with door and window sensors, motion detectors, and cameras that can be monitored remotely. Others may offer additional features like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors, and even smart home integration. Regardless of the specific features, a good security system should provide peace of mind and deter potential intruders.
Another factor to consider is whether you want a professionally installed system or a DIY option. Professional installation can be more expensive, but it ensures that the system is properly set up and integrated into your home. DIY systems, on the other hand, can be more affordable and allow for greater customization, but they may require more effort and technical knowledge to install and maintain.
Add security cameras
Installing security cameras is the ideal way to boost your home security and protect your home against intruders. Home security cameras have advanced over the years, and there is now an extensive range of cameras to suit every budget. Security cameras have become a common feature on residential properties, and many homeowners are upgrading their home security with video recording software. Burglars are much less likely to target your home if you have visible security cameras. Modern security cameras also come with many additional features such as night vision, motion detection, and two-way talking.
When choosing security cameras for your home, it’s crucial to consider factors like camera resolution, field of view, and night vision capabilities. High-resolution cameras will provide clearer footage, while wide-angle lenses can capture a larger area. Night vision is also essential for capturing activity in low-light conditions. Additionally, consider whether you want wired or wireless cameras, as well as indoor or outdoor models.
Another important consideration is where to position your security cameras. Strategic placement is key to ensuring optimal coverage and minimizing blind spots. Considering these, it would be a smart idea to call professional experts who are well versed with the newest trends in surveillance tech systems such as installation, monitoring, and maintenance of CCTV services. Common areas to install cameras include entry points like doors and windows, as well as areas like driveways, backyards, and other potential points of entry. It’s also a good idea to have cameras covering high-traffic areas inside your home, such as living rooms and hallways.
Secure Windows
In order to ensure your home is safe and secure, paying attention to often overlooked windows might be necessary. Ensure that you are locking your windows whenever they are not in use, and consider installing window locks or security bars for added protection.
Windows are a common entry point for burglars, so investing in sturdy, high-quality windows can make a significant difference. If you have older windows, it may be worth upgrading to more secure models. Furthermore, if you live in areas that are prone to storms, you may want to consider purchasing storm-proof windows from firms like Storm Pro Window and Door to ensure your home is protected from both potential intruders and severe weather.
In addition to securing your windows, installing window sensors that trigger an alarm if a window is opened or broken can provide an extra layer of protection. Adding security film to your windows can also reinforce the glass and make it more difficult to break. Keeping bushes and trees trimmed away from windows can prevent burglars from having cover while attempting to gain entry.
Lastly, using blinds or curtains can help keep your valuables out of sight, making it harder for potential intruders to scope out your home. By taking these measures, you can significantly enhance the security of your home and ensure a safer environment for you and your family.
Keep valuables out of sight
Many burglars are opportunists meaning they will target your home if they see an opportunity to steal something of value. With this in mind, you should keep expensive items such as laptops, televisions, and car keys out of sight. Never leave valuables next to any open window or in plain view of the street. Doing this puts your home at risk of being targeted by criminals. At night, keep your curtains or blinds closed to prevent criminals from seeing into your home. If you have a safe or security box in your home, then keep valuables locked away to provide extra security.
It’s also a good idea to be discreet when bringing new valuables into your home. If you’ve recently purchased expensive electronics or jewelry, avoid leaving the boxes or packaging out for collection, as this can advertise to potential burglars that you have new, valuable items in your home. Instead, break down boxes and conceal them in opaque bags or bins.
Another tip is to be mindful of where you store valuables within your home. Avoid keeping them in obvious places like bedrooms or living rooms, which may be the first places a burglar checks. Consider using less obvious hiding spots, such as closets or storage areas, and rotate the locations periodically for added security.
Keep your post safe
According to Safestyle UK, most burglars aren’t trying to steal your household belongings and possessions. Stealing your personal information can be a lot more valuable to a criminal in the long-run as they can use this data to perform identify theft. A burglar can use your information to take out a credit card, make payments online, or apply for a loan. Stealing your post is an easy way for criminals to get hold of your personal information, so you should ensure that it is safe and secure. Avoid leaving post out in the open and always shred documents like bank statements when you no longer need them. Take a look at iLoveParcels and consider adding a smart parcel box to the exterior of your property can be another simple way to keep your post safe. They are particularly useful if you order lots of parcels to your home address.
In addition to physical security measures, it’s also important to be cautious about the personal information you share online or over the phone. Never provide sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank account information unless you’re certain you’re dealing with a legitimate and reputable entity. Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails asking for personal information, as these could be attempts at phishing or other scams.
Another step you can take to protect your post is to consider signing up for a secure mail service or using a post office box. These services can help ensure that your mail is kept safe and secure until you’re able to retrieve it. Additionally, you may want to consider signing up for paperless billing and statements whenever possible, reducing the amount of sensitive information that arrives in your physical mailbox.
Protect your Wi-Fi
Criminals can use your Wi-Fi network to steal your personal information. Burglars can also use your Wi-Fi network to access your property if you have smart security systems installed, e.g., smart locks. You can secure your home Wi-Fi network by:
- Choose a complex router password and only give it out to trusted family and friends.
- Change your router password regularly. Security experts recommend updating it monthly to ensure that your network is secure.
- Install a firewall and encryption software to protect your router.
- Adopt safe habits when browsing the web or making purchases online.
- Keep your network name hidden.
Take out home contents insurance
Following the above suggestions will help keep your home and valuables safe, but you cannot guarantee complete protection against burglars. This is why it is so important to take out quality home content insurance. Having home insurance means that you will be able to recover some of the financial losses in the event of a burglary. You will have peace of mind knowing that you are covered in the unlikely event that your property or valuables are damaged or stolen. You can search on price comparison sites like comparethemarket.com to find the best deals on home insurance.
Final thoughts
Setting up home security systems may be less exciting than planning home decorating projects. However, burglars strike every minute, and you must protect your home against intruders. The good news is, there are lots of quick and affordable ways to keep your home and valuables safe. Try some of the above security tips to create a safe and secure living space for your family.