Keeping your home secure
- Close your windows and lock your doors whenever you leave the house, even if you know you’ll only be gone for a few minutes
- The use of timers for lights or radios can be used whenever you leave the house, not just while you’re on holiday
- It can be better to employ cleaners or gardeners through approved provider lists to ensure they are reputable
- If you lose your keys, it is essential you replace the locks immediately. It can be wise to change your locks whenever you move into a new house
- At night it is best to use a deadbolt which is harder for intruders to break. Always use built in locks for your front door; locking it with a key can be troublesome if you lose the key and need to exit the building in a hurry (e.g. during a fire)
- Plan to burgle your own home. How would you get in? What are the weak points? Once this is established, introduce measures to prevent break-ins through these methods
- Install an alarm and have it serviced regularly to ensure it is in working order
- Ask for the credentials of any salespersons that call - if they are genuine, they’ll be more than happy to accommodate. Many personal alarms should have a Bogus Caller function that allow you to instantly check with the salespersons company if they are authentic
Doors and windows
- Install a motion-sensitive light over your front door. Burglars will be less inclined to try to tamper with the door if they can be easily observed
- Use deadbolts on all external doors
- Refit external doors so the hinges are on the inside
- Fortify any glass panels in external doors to prevent them being broken, allowing an intruder to reach inside the house
- Use locks on your windows and store the keys out of sight.
Garages
A good lock on your garage or shed is a must, but this article outlines a few more ways to reduce your risk of burglary.
- Keep your garage door closed and locked
- Use frosted glass for the windows to stop people peeking in to see what possessions you have
- Painting the handles of your tools can be a deterrent to a thief. They will be less inclined to steal if the tools are easily identified
- Have a motion-sensor light installed that could be used to help you and for security