How to make your home more secure
Better locks, motion-sensing lights and locking down wifi details among top tips
Break-ins are one of the most common crimes committed, so when it comes to protecting your belongings and your own safety, you can’t be too careful. The good news is there are plenty of ways you can protect your home from opportunists and thieves – the first step in crime prevention is knowing your options.
1. Rethink your locks: A weak door gives thieves an easy point of entry, so adding a second lock can beef up your security.
Security expert Michael Fraser, speaking on behalf of
247 Blinds, says: ‘Most people only use a cylinder lock on their door, which isn’t very secure. Doors should ideally have a cylinder lock and deadlock and both should be used together for maximum security.’
2. Secure the windows: ‘If your double glazing has failed, it’s not only an eyesore, but it also makes your home a greater target for thieves,’ says Louis McGee, north west area manager and glazing expert at Cloudy2Clear Windows (cloudy2clearwindows.co.uk). ‘Faulty double glazing can be easily spotted by potential criminals due to its telltale cloudy window panes, caused by gaps in the seals. It’s a clear sign to burglars your windows aren’t secure.’
3. Let there be light: Motionsensing lights can be a cheap and easy way to deter would-be thieves.
‘Exterior lights fitted near the entrances to your home will automatically activate if someone approaches the property – not only does this provide an opportunity to alert you or a neighbour of trespassers, it’s also likely to spook opportunist thieves into trying their luck elsewhere,’ says McGee.
4. Set up a home security system: Home security technology is making surveillance more affordable and accessible than ever before and you don’t need to pay a security company to watch your patch while you’re away.
5. Lock down your wifi details: Your wifi router can also be vulnerable to thieves who want to capture your data and passwords to gain access to financial information. To make your router secure, it’s advisable to change your router username and password, using a combination of letters and symbols. You should also change your generic network name, as it gives thieves information about the type of router you’re using.
6. Keep your valuables out of sight: Keeping your blinds open in the day with a tempting view of laptops, tablets and expensive jewellery makes it easier for a burglar to scout out your home.