Improving home security
Your house probably contains your most valuable possessions, so it makes sense to keep it – and them – properly protected. While many people believe securing a home to be an expensive process, there are a number of simple, inexpensive measures you can put into action to beat the thieves.
Adding security devices to your home can not only help reduce the chances of you ever having to make a claim, but also give you and your family peace of mind. Follow the tips below and everybody will be happy – except the burglars.
Secure your windows
A third of all burglaries result from a thief getting in through a back window – but even the simplest of window locks will help put them off. Locks make sure that the thief would have to smash the window, which many are reluctant to do as the noise attracts unwanted attention.
It is a good idea to fit locks on all downstairs windows, and some upstairs too. French windows in particular can prove somewhat insecure and ought to be fitted with key operated locking device.
Have a look from outside; any window positioned by a drainpipe for example, is an easy target for an opportunist thief. Also, be sure to keep window keys out of the locks and hidden out of sight.
Something else to remember; never leave a ladder lying around on your drive or in the garden when you’re out. It makes even the most inaccessible of windows a simple method of entry for a burglar. Similarly, don’t leave garden tools out – they only help thieves force their way into your home.
Lock your doors
It’s absolutely crucial that your home’s front and back doors are secure. Both the doors and their frames must be sturdy and in good condition – any that are old, decaying or weak need replacing.
If they are not already fitted, fit the doors with bolts and deadlocks. Make sure they are put to good use – far too many households do not use all the locks on their doors, believing a turn of the key to be sufficient. Fastening all the locks and bolts makes a door a lot harder to force open.
Patio doors can sometimes be a security weak point as they are not always fitted with a key operated locking device. Multi-locking point systems designed specifically for patio doors (with at least 3 locking points) are recommended.
When choosing and fitting new locks to your house, it is highly recommended that you approach an official member of the Master Locksmith’s Association (www.locksmiths.co.uk) for assistance.
To find out more about locksmiths, and the different kinds of lock available to you, read our security locks page.
Extra deterrents
- Outdoor lighting, with or without motion sensors, are ideal burglar deterrents. Unlit properties provide the perfect hunting ground for burglars, allowing them to sneak in and out unnoticed.
- A burglar alarm visible from the street will also help put potential thieves off.
- Remove any valuables from your window ledges. It is not advisable to tempt the thief into performing a smash and grab raid.
- Timer switches are relatively inexpensive, easy to use and yet a very useful tool against burglars. Using timer switches, lights and lamps can be set to automatically come on at a certain time, giving the impression that there is someone home even when the house is empty.
- The easiest way for a thief to gain access to your home is by walking through the front door. It may sound unlikely, but if you currently leave a spare key under a doormat or plant pot, then you are running a serious risk of being burgled. They are the first places a thief will look. Likewise, hanging a key on a piece of string through your letterbox is giving the burglar a very easy task.
- Moving to a new house? Change all the locks as soon as you move in. Also try to keep track of who owns a key to your home.
Other NFU Mutual Lifestyle articles
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Fire safety
Security locks
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