6 tips to make your home safer
As Hampshire Constabulary finds that 18% of homes do not have adequate door locks fitted and 14% do not have proper window locks, failing to tackle or update your home security could make your home vulnerable to burglars. In fact, over a third of burglaries happen at homes that do not have adequate security measures such as these in place.
Avoid becoming a statistic by following our handy guide of 6 tips to make your home safer….
1. Review your current home security
When you update and improve your home security, you make your home safer. You can do this by upgrading existing security measures or adding security systems (intruder alarms or CCTV) and physical security (locks, safes, etc) to limit the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime and help stop your homes from becoming a prime target for burglars. However, firstly you need to be aware of how safe your home currently is.
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- Do all entry points have effective locks including garages and sheds?
- Does it have adequate alarms that are recognised by the police and insurers?
- Do you have a safe?
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2. Safety: Number 1 priority
Once you’ve checked and assessed your current home security and reviewed if and where are any weak areas, it’s time to consider what you can use and fit to improve its safety. A security measure is effectively deemed to be any product or move adopted to help increase the level of protection and safety of you and your house and that reduces the risk of burglary. It is important to remember that any safety and security measures you adopt should be just that – safe, while offering an adequate and appropriate security solution.
3. Visual deterrents
An intruder alarm system offers a clear warning sign to any would-be opportunist burglar that any attempt to gain entry into the house will result in making the homeowners, neighbours and police aware and therefore acts as a strong deterrent.
Make sure the installer fits external sounder boxes in easily visible locations as there is no better deterrent, particularly if they display a well-respected and recognisable brand name.
In the same way, CCTV and automatic lighting are also good visual deterrents.
4. Consider doors, windows and safes
Tackle the key areas within your home that are typical entry points for burglars. These commonly include front, rear and side doors, along with windows. Make sure these have adequate and working locks and that any ground-level windows or those that may enable entry are shut and locked. It is advisable to also keep a small safe in the home in a well hidden place to protect your valuables and identification from being stolen even if a burglar does gain access. If you are looking for added security, door chains and spy holes offer further assured protection to make you and your home safer.
5. Choosing an installer
When choosing a security installer, opt for one that has a good local reputation – talk to your friends and check social media networks like Facebook and Twitter. It’s also good to ask the company about what areas they cover and how many engineers they employ; to ensure the company you choose can provide the level of service you expect.
Above all, have your alarm installed by an NSI or SSAIB certificated installer, the UK’s two recognised certification bodies. NSI or SSAIB alarm installers – and MLA (Master Locksmith Association) approved locksmiths – will be able to give you accurate, valuable, and reliable advice based on experience and expertise.
If you would like any further help or information on how to make your home safer, security site surveys are free (call us on 023 92 242069 to arrange), or look around our website.
