Feeling safe is one of the elements of ‘home’, without it, it isn’t really your home; it’s just a place where you live. While this might have something to do with the area you live in, there are a number of ways you can make sure that your home is safe and secure. A combination of common sense, deterrents and prevention are the most effective ways of making sure that your property won’t get burgled. So if you’ve spent a fortune on decorating your home and kitting out with gadgets and valuables, then ensuring that your property is safe and secure will mean that you won’t lose out.
What Do Burglars Look For?
Thinking about your property from the perspective of a burglar can be extremely helpful when analysing how secure your home is. If you live in a wealthy suburb then you’re most at risk, as you will obviously have valuables inside. Houses with fences or trees on the perimeter are targeted as they offer something that conceals burglars from neighbours. Anything that might draw attention, such as gravel, a dog or a house alarm will deter a burglar from entering your house- they do not want confrontation.
Houses without net curtains are also targeted as they mean that you can easily ascertain whether a property is empty and if there’s anything worth breaking in for. Properties without proper locks on doors or windows mean ease of entry, as well as an implication that the owners don’t really care about their home.
So What Should You Do?
Starting with the outside of your home, you should make sure that all points of entry are secure. Ideally, UPVC windows and doors should be used as they are harder to break or open than wooden ones. Deadlocks should be fitted to all external doors and the key isn’t kept in the obvious places. You should always make sure that doors and windows are kept closed and locked when you’re away.
The garage and shed always be kept locked, especially if the garage is connected to the house. The door leading to the garage should have a proper lock, as it is quite easy to break into a garage. Make sure that you have net curtains and that you don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
When You’re Away for an Extended Period of Time
Having an alarm on the outside your home can be one of the biggest deterrents for burglars. A simple monitored alarm says that you are aware of the threat and protecting your home against burglars. A movement detection system inside the home will detect intrusions and will trigger an alert to the alarm, and can be configured to be pet tolerant. CCTV can provide a higher level of security, as only a fool would break into a house with potential video evidence of their identity.
Lights, televisions and sound systems on timers purchased from places like CLE Electrical Wholesalers, will be much more effective than simply leaving a light on constantly. Burglars aren’t stupid and it is easy to figure out if someone hasn’t been in for an extended period of time. Make sure that you get someone to tend the outside areas of your home. Get someone you trust to pick up your post, mow your loan and cancel your milk order if necessary. A car in the driveway is also a good deterrent as it implies someone is in, even if they aren’t.
Living without fear of being burgled isn’t difficult when you follow these steps to protecting your home, your possessions and your peace of mind.
