Get your home safe and secure with these steps
October is National Home Security Month, a annual campaign to raise awareness of how we can protect our homes and battle break ins.
Use these expert home security tips and advice.
If you want peace of mind that your home is properly protected in your absence, installing a burglar alarm is key. Not only can home security systems help to prevent burglary by acting as a deterrent, they can also give you and your neighbours the chance to take action quickly if the worst does happen. There’s a wide range of alarms to choose from on the market, but the most important thing is to pick one that has been approved by your insurer – and turn it on when you leave the house. In a recent survey of 4000 people in the UK only just over half of people were aware that their contents insurance wouldn’t protect against theft if the alarm wasn’t turned on. Once installed, choose a code that can’t be easily guessed, and change it regularly. Burglars can use a hook device to steal keys from inside the house.
Research conducted last year has found that 22 per cent of burglars get in to the house either through an unlocked door or window, so it’s vital to ensure they are locked when ever you’re not at home. If you want some extra protection other than the standard lock, look at what’s on offer in your local area. One example is the London Bar, a specialist lock and reinforced door that protects the door against being kicked and visibly deters burglars. A qualified locksmith will be able to inform you about the best products on offer, but for your front and back door it’s wise to fit mortise locks to add protection. All windows should have approved locks on them. Most home insurers insist that you keep these locked to ensure any claim on your contents recommend putting expensive jewellery alert neighbours or passers-by should insurance has the best chance of being and passports in a safe. Finally, keep all someone attempt to break into your met. keys out of sight from passers-by and home. External lights should be placed away from your letterbox. Burglars can where it is difficult for intruders to reach use a hook device to steal keys from or designed so that they are suitably inside the house. Plus, if you leave car protected. This will prevent them being keys in the house, make sure they are safely hidden. tampered with. It’s also worth looking at light timer-systems, which can be set to come on in the evening, giving the impression that you’re at home. These can be particularly helpful if you live in a quieter residential area.
It sounds obvious, but make sure you don’t leave your keys or valuables in sight. Burglars are often opportunists and will be attracted to what’s on display. Laptops, mobile phones and other expensive technology should be kept out of sight of windows. If you live with children, make sure they know to keep their gadgets out of view. The police also
Security lighting can act as a major deterrent for burglars. Installing external security lights outside the home will help put off intruders and can help