If you have an older home – something built long before modern inventions like the internet, reinforced materials, or general electrical availability, for that matter – you might be worried about protecting your property.
Older homes naturally have more weak points and are often easier for criminals to access if they don’t have up-to-date security measures. So, what can you do? What’s the most effective method to keep prying eyes and greedy minds far from your lodgings?
Here at Gray’s Locksmiths, we often work on historic buildings in and around Nottingham and offer tailored advice to anyone who needs it. Here at the best ways to keep an older home secure.
Use a smart home security system
A smart home security system is a no-brainer if you own a historic building. You’ll naturally want to keep the property looking as true-to-period as possible, so having endless wiring systems draped across your walls isn’t even an option worth entertaining.
Instead, internet-based smart home security systems mean you’ll be relying on an online service. Although the power for CCTV cameras and alarms will still need to come from somewhere, you can link everything else up to the cloud.
These networks also come with the added benefit of remote monitoring. If you have CCTV installed, you’ll be able to easily access the live feed via an app or browser. Keep an eye on your old home from wherever you are.
Ensure you have updated locks on doors and windows
Older homes tend to have, you guessed it, old locks on their windows and doors. While these locks may have served you or the previous owners faithfully for many years, they could be susceptible to burglars and their break-in methods. Old locks can be relatively simple to snap – the most common way criminals forcefully gain entry to a building.
Luckily, there’s a whole range of anti-snap options when it comes to locks. These are much more robust and secure than traditional models, and there’ll always be models to match your older home’s pre-existing amenities and aesthetics.
Once you have your new locks, keep the keys close to hand, cutting spares if you need to. Lend them out to only people you trust and always get them back as soon as possible. Your home may well be desirable to others, and unfortunately, criminals could find their way in by stealing a key. That’s why it’s essential to always know where all your keys are.
Don’t leave valuables out on show
If you live in an older home, especially if it’s well-maintained and pleasant to look at, thieves may be more likely to target you. Impulse thefts – when criminals simply wander onto your property and look through a window or smash through a door – are something you must watch out for.
One of the best ways to deter these impulse thieves and burglars is to keep everything of value safe, hidden, and out of sight of any windows. This may be as simple as keeping laptops and mobile phones away from prying eyes. However, you could also invest in a safe for any expensive jewellery, watches, or collectables.
Consider access control
Access control systems mean you have much greater control over who’s coming in and out of your property. A typical example we often see on certain older homes with more extensive grounds is electrically-controlled gates. Family, friends, and other visitors often need a passcode or entry card. However, you would also have a manual control override inside the house.
There are many other types of access control systems, not all of which are usually appropriate for residential circumstances. You probably don’t need retina and fingerprint scans, for example. However, the option’s always there. The technology exists if you want it.
Gray’s Locksmiths in Nottingham
Gray’s Locksmiths in Nottingham are MLA-approved locksmiths with decades of experience. We’re always happy to talk with anyone (completely obligation-free) about their home security needs and what might be best for them.
Do you own an older home? Are you struggling with how to best keep it secure? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer free advice to all and are always excited to discuss new projects with homeowners. For a start, we’d always recommend – at a minimum – secure locks and a modern alarm system.
Contact us through the form at the bottom of this page by scrolling down. If you prefer, email us at hello@grayslocksmiths.org or phone us on 0115 942 2315. We look forward to chatting.