Home Security: Top Tips for Your Home

Securing your home and its contents are probably high on your list of priorities.

Keeping your home’s valuables safe from theft and burglaries is not only important to you but also to your insurance company.

Having a burglary is not a pleasant experience and most people that have been burgled will tell you that it’s mainly the intrusion into their home and not the theft of the goods that’s painful.

So we wanted to advise you on the top six areas of home security that you should consider

1. Windows

Your windows are a weakness in your home’s security. New designs and building regulations try to ensure that you can climb out of a window in the event of a fire. This obviously might enable someone to climb in to your home too.

• You should always close and lock your windows when you leave your home (even in the summer). Windows with air-vents or night vents are better for keeping your home airy but better to leave that job for the upstairs windows instead.

• Windows should be made from toughened glass, especially on the ground floor of your home.

• Good window locks are very important too. The best glass in the world won’t help you when your locks are weak and prone to attack. Upgrading your locks is a good upgrade to your home’s security.

• Don’t leave your valuables on show in your windows. It sounds obvious but people do still leave coats and handbags in cars and they still leave iPads and watches on windowsills. it’s plain and simple – don’t advertise your valuables to criminals.

House Alarms

You may think that having a house alarm is pointless as most people don’t pay attention when one goes off anyway. But… according to the studies by the Met Police, you’re less likely to be burgled if you do have a house alarm fitted.

• A good house alarm is a sound investment. If it stops you becoming victim to an opportunist burglary then it’s worth its weight in gold.

• Always fit a good quality alarm and avoid the temptation to save money. Criminals are not as stupid as you think. Your house alarm must have the British Standard 4737/BS EN 50131.

3. Door security

Just like your windows, your doors are obviously an easy option to getting into your home. Strong, secure doors are an essential part of your home’s security and help keep you safe from opportunist burglaries.

• Always fit a 5-lever mortice deadlock. Doors with just one Yale lock are very simple to kick down. Most attempted burglaries through the front or back door will be stopped in their tracks with a good locking system.

• A good strong frame to house the door is also important. Don’t expect a strong lock to keep out an attacker if the frame is weak or not secured properly.

• Letterboxes are a gap in your armour. Fit an interior plate to prevent someone reaching into your home through the postman’s slot!

• Your door keys are the best way to open your door. With this in mind, don’t leave them lying around and don’t leave them with obvious signs of where you live attached on them. Also NEVER leave your spare key under the mat, plant pot or loose pebble to the left of the door. It’s way too obvious and is asking for trouble. Get a keysafe and secure your spare key if you need to have one outside your home.

4. Lighting

Good lighting is essential to your security. Any dimly-lit property is an attractive offer for a criminal as the cloak of darkness gives them an extra covering. Most burglaries actually happen during the day though so don’t make the assumption that this will eradicate all your security problems.

• Leave some lights on in your home. Pick a small lamp with a low energy lightbulb and leave it on when you go out in the evenings, or even overnight.

• Although expensive, exterior lighting is a worthwhile investment. Sensors and security lights are simple deterrent and can also help guide you home in the dark and help you to feel safer.

5. Outside your home – keep it clean

Strangely enough, most burglars will use what they can find around your home to break in. Keep your wheelie bin locked up or hidden, avoid growing trees near your fence and keep your back gate locked too.

The garden shed is often forgotten but the amount of tools and machines and bikes that are stored in them makes them an attractive offer to a thief. Fit a good lock and strong hinges and furniture to your shed and back gate.

6. Inside your home

Most insurance companies will insist on a cash rated safe to store your valuables and cash in. Make sure you’re covered by getting the right safe and selecting the right cash rating (sometimes called cash cover) based on your insurance specifications.

Your home is an attractive option for thieves – keep it locked down

Get the right locks, alarm and lighting and don’t make it easy for thieves by leaving items on display and placing a spare key under the mat. Just as you wouldn’t leave your car unlocked and your bag on the front seat, don’t do it in your home.