Home security is still important, especially coming into the summer months, when doors and windows may be left open and high-value items left out in the garden.
So what do you need to know? Izzy Schulman, a locksmith and director of Keys4U, have 7 key tips on keeping your home secure.
1. Reinforce the front door
“With 74% of burglars breaking in through the front door, this should be your first port of call for
home security improvements. Firstly, make sure your lock conforms to British standards (BS 3621), as this certifies a minimum level of performance and is recognized by insurers if the worst happens,” says Schulman.
“However, there are further precautions you can take. Fitting a spy hole to your front door deters potential intruders and fixing a latch chain will add an extra layer of security if someone tries to force their way in. Both of these are simple to fit with a drill.
“For added peace of mind, consider fitting a London bar to your door. The steel bar fits onto your door frame and around the rim lock, providing a sturdier resistance if someone tries to kick in your door. As there are so many brands and sizes of rim locks available, London bars aren’t customized to your door – so you just need to measure the size of your rim lock to make sure the model you buy will fit over it. They can then be secured to your door frame using a drill and screws.”
2. Safeguard windows
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Windows are another common entry point for intruders. So keep all windows locked when you’re not in the room to keep watch. For added protection, installing window bars or restrictors can stop burglars from gaining access. While it’s possible to install window bars yourself, cable window restrictors are a more subtle alternative for the home. They can be drilled into the window frame, letting you get some fresh air without leaving you open to intruders,” he says.
“Lining vulnerable windows with a shatter-proof film adds an extra protective layer. They fit effortlessly on glass panels with an adhesive layer and hold the glass in place if it smashes, keeping burglars out.”
3. Invest in a home security system
“If you don’t already have a home security system, consider installing one. Even the sight of one alone can prevent a burglar from chancing their luck. If you’re opting for a CCTV system, consider which area it should cover,” suggests Schulman. “It’s recommended to position your cameras towards valuables like cars or to capture weak spots around the home. A larger lens has a longer zoom but is not as wide, so consider the shape of your garden or driveway.
“And these days, there are plenty of economical alternatives to traditional home security systems, like smart doorbells, which record footage of your driveway. These are easier to install, with most models simply connecting to your existing doorbell system.”
4. Keep existing security systems clean
“According to ex-offenders, burglars are more likely to attempt a break-in if they believe a system looks ‘old and battered’,” says Schulman.
“Give your smart doorbell a dusting down and wipe down your alarm box and CCTV systems with a damp cloth to leave them looking new – and show potential intruders you’re hot on home security.”
5. Garden watch
“Burglars aim to get in and out of each home as quickly as possible without getting caught. They’ll often scout out homes for a few days to find the easiest entry points and track the behavior patterns of homeowners – so an overgrown garden gives them the perfect place to hide out undetected while they watch your property,” says Schulman.
“Cut down overgrown trees and trim back bushes, removing any shaded or covered areas that aren’t visible from your windows, where criminals can move around your property unseen. Many of us leave valuable items lying around the garden, which can also be a target for thieves,” he adds. “An estimated £4 billion is spent each year on garden furniture, decorations, and equipment, meaning there’s plenty of value to be found in unguarded gardens.”
6. Keep it locked up
“Make sure all valuables, like bicycles and garden tools, are stored in a locked shed or garage each night. While a standard bolt and hardened steel padlock are difficult to break into, if you’re storing higher-value items, getting a deadlock or smart lock – which requires a corresponding fob or up to a 20-digit code to open – fitted to your garden gate or shed will offer greater peace of mind. However, replacing your garden gate or shed door may require you to ensure compatibility.
“It’s also recommended to add motion-sensor lighting in the garden to scare off burglars who act under the cover of darkness. Installing a motion sensor light requires some wiring but it’s a simple job if you have existing floodlights,” he adds. “Then, choose the distance you want the sensor to cover depending on the size of the blind spots around your home. Adding gravel or small stone features around your property may also deter intruders, with the sound of crunching stones underfoot giving them away.”
7. The first line of defense
“Wooden garden fences and sheds are prone to rotting if the wood isn’t treated regularly, and this can make it easier for potential intruders to access your property,” says Schulman.
“Now the weather’s nicer, it’s time to get outside and treat any wooden panels or fences to prevent rotting. Coating fences and sheds in weatherproof stain or paint should protect the wood from the elements and prevent them from cracking or breaking.
“It’s recommended to top up wood panels every two years to keep them looking and feeling new. However, those with south-facing gardens should consider treating panels more often, as sunlight is also known to damage wood.”
If none of these tips find your local locksmith and have them rekey everything or fix locks that they can.
Source: https://theguideliverpool.com/7-expert-tips-on-how-to-keep-your-home-secure/
