When your home is robbed, it’s deeply unsettling and not an enviable experience. This article contains a few ideas of some easy ways to upgrade your home security. However, there are many other steps you could take, too; just remember to follow these principles.
The crucial aspect of home security is making your house a less inviting target for intruders. The more tempted a criminal is to break in, the higher the risk of it happening. For example, you could install deterrents like CCTV and alarms or get a dog. In simpler approaches, always ensure you keep your valuables (technology, jewellery, car keys, etc.) out of sight from the windows.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ll put yourself in the best position possible. That said, here are a few easy physical steps to ensure you’re prepared.
Install a home alarm system
A home alarm system is a basic yet effective way to deter impulsive and casual criminals. It’s a simple device connected to sensors. When one of these sensors is triggered (for example, by a door opening or movement in a room), it sends a signal to the alarm company, which informs the security detail or police.
You can get yourself loud, klaxon-like alarms or silent alarms. Both are effective, but remember that, ideally, you want to stop people from even entering. Ensure the alarm box is visible from the outside, and it should help put most burglars off.
Get CCTV cameras put in
We’re all familiar with CCTV these days. It’s everywhere: in the supermarket, outside in the town square, and lining many of our roads. It keeps us safe and is often used as incriminating evidence in trials.
The most important aspect of CCTV, though, should be its deterrent. Even though it’s great when the cameras pick up a criminal’s face, try to imagine how much crime hasn’t happened because of the presence of the CCTV. If you get CCTV installed, put a warning sign up on the fence or gate, directing any would-be criminals away from your property.
Security lighting
Security lighting can be set to come on with a motion sensor, a switch or a timer. Criminals prefer the dark – they can’t be seen so well, so they’re more likely to get away with their deeds. As a result, keeping certain areas brightly lit (such as immediately around your home) puts most burglars off.
It can also be used as an early warning system if it’s set to a motion sensor. When the lights come on, it could be an early sign of someone snooping around.
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Doors are the most obvious way into buildings. You can upgrade the security by installing anti-snap locks and bolts along with composite doors. You could also opt for a smart doorbell.
Windows can, unfortunately, always be smashed. However, you could still upgrade the locks and, most importantly, never leave them open or unlocked. Remember, burglars can climb up, too (unless you use some anti-climb paint).
It’s most important to remember to lock your doors and windows and not leave them open – even on hot days in summer when you’re having a BBQ in the back garden. It’s just inviting the criminals in.
Hide your spare keys
This is more of a tip than a locksmith service. Do you have a spare key kept outside your front door? Is it under the welcome mat, the plant pot, or the little jar ‘ornament’ thing? If so, any criminal knows to look here, too. You should move it immediately.
The same goes for keys you’ve got hanging up on the wall inside. If they’re too close to your front door, thieves could easily push their coat hangers through and hook the keys to your car or home. If someone steals your keys (or you lose them), you’ll need new locks fitted and new keys cut. Keep them hidden and away from the doors and windows.
Ask Grays Locksmiths in Nottingham for help
Based in Nottingham, Grays Locksmiths has been helping out domestic customers and commercial clients for decades. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality services for a minimal cost and in record time. As members of the MLA, we can be trusted to work with your security and privacy.
If you need any further advice, or you’d like to tell us what you’ve got installed and ask what you should do next, please contact us! We offer free, friendly, professional advice on all home security matters. We’d be delighted to help under any circumstance.
Drop us a message using the form below. Alternatively, give us a ring on 0115 942 2315 or email hello@grayslocksmiths.org. We’ll get back to you as fast as we can.