Play it safe on home security
Most of us take pride in ourhomes. It’s ourhaven – the place where we can relax, be ourselves and feel safe. But in orderto keep ourselves, our houses and all of ourbelongings protected, we need to take home security seriously. Here, Anthony Neary, managing directorof home security retailersafe.co.uk, shares his expert tips on steps you can take to help keep yourhome safe and sound...
1. Make sure your home looks loved
“Keeping your home looking well loved and maintained is a good first step to deterring thieves,” says Anthony. “They’re less likely to strike if it looks like there are people around on a regular basis.” Tidy away any tools, bins and ladders, as these can all give burglars a helping hand if they’re looking to gain quick entry.
2. Be lock savvy
“Burglars will often scout a location before attempting a burglary, so ensure you keep valuable items (including car keys) away from windows, and make sure your front and back doors are fitted with high-quality locks that meet British Standard BS3621. Burglars will check the quality of locks on windows and whether there are two locks on the front door. Most houses have a single lock, making it easier to break in,” he says.
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“Recent research we conducted found that less than one in 10 of us keep spare keys in a safe, instead opting for doormats and plant pots,” he continues. “Safes are a cost-effective way of keeping spare keys and other small items locked away from prying eyes.”
5. File your documents
Important documents are often kept in the kitchen, but Anthony advises making sure these are filed away and not in plain sight. Identity fraud is something a burglar might be looking to capitalise on, so keep any letters and bank statements tidied away.
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Invest in a safe
Put your lights on a timer
“Our research found that over a third of us admit to leaving for a holiday without any home security measures in place, putting property at risk,” he says. “A cheap and easy way to deter burglars while your home is empty is to set light timers. Make your home look occupied and have a trusted friend or family member check in, ensuring that post doesn’t pile up – burglars will look for signs of an empty house.”
7. Be social media savvy
“Playing into the hands of tech-savvy burglars is something increasing numbers of us are falling victim to,” Anthony adds. “One in five of us post photos on social media while on holiday, and if we don’t have our profiles set to private, this information is easily located by burglars. For added peace of mind, consider investing in some form of smart CCTV system that allows you to monitor the cameras remotely via an app on your phone. This way, you’ll be able to check in while you’re at work or away for longer periods, and your app will alert you when alarms are triggered.”