Keeping your home secure is important for peace of mind, whether you’re at home or away.
With burglary being a distressing and often traumatic experience, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your property and possessions. Here are ten tips to help you improve your home security.
1. Check Your Home Insurance Policy
Ensure that your home insurance policy is up to date and covers both your building and contents while your home is unoccupied.
Buildings insurance protects your home from damage due to extreme weather or fire, while contents insurance covers your possessions in case of theft. Regularly review your policy to ensure comprehensive coverage.
2. Install Smart Security Cameras
Modern smart security cameras are a powerful deterrent for burglars. These devices allow you to monitor your home from anywhere via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Look for features like motion-triggered recording, night vision, and two-way audio.
These features enable you to keep an eye on your property day and night, offering real-time alerts and the ability to playback and download footage if needed.
3. Use Smart Lightbulbs
Burglars often target homes that appear unoccupied. Smart lightbulbs can be controlled remotely, allowing you to turn lights on and off to give the impression that someone is home.
These bulbs are typically compatible with devices like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, and their energy-efficient LED technology ensures that keeping your home secure won’t be costly.
4. Secure Gates and Fences
Ensure your gates and fences are in good condition and provide a strong barrier against intruders. Use tall, sturdy gates and fences with secure hinges, bolts, and padlocks. Consider adding trellis panels to the top of your fences, which are difficult for intruders to climb.
5. Lock Away Tools and Ladders
Tools and ladders left in accessible areas can be used by burglars to break into your home. Always lock these items away in a secure shed or garage. Ensure that these outbuildings are locked and that tools are not left in plain sight.
6. Use A Video Doorbell
A video doorbell is a great addition to your home security system. These devices notify you of any activity at your door, allowing you to see and speak to visitors even when you’re not home.
They are particularly useful for monitoring deliveries and deterring potential intruders. Footage from these doorbells can also be valuable for police investigations if a burglary occurs.
7. Don’t Announce Your Absence
Avoid discussing your travel plans publicly or on social media. If potential burglars know you’ll be away, they may see this as an opportunity to break in. Instead, inform a trusted neighbor or friend who can keep an eye on your property while you’re gone.
8. Hide Valuables Out Of Sight
Keep valuable items such as jewellery, laptops, and electronics out of sight from windows. Use curtains or blinds to conceal these items, and consider investing in a safe for smaller valuables. Keeping these items hidden can reduce the temptation for burglars to target your home.
9. Consider Self Storage For Valuables
For items that you don’t need on a daily basis but want to keep safe, consider using a self-storage facility that allows you to store-by-the-box. These facilities offer high levels of security, including surveillance cameras and restricted access, which can significantly reduce the risk of theft.
This is particularly useful for family heirlooms, important documents, and valuable collections.
10. Maintain Your Burglar Alarm
A visible and functional burglar alarm is one of your best defenses against break-ins. Ensure your alarm system is regularly maintained and that the external sounder or bell box is clearly visible.
Regular checks can prevent false alarms and ensure your system is always in working order.
Conclusion
Taking proactive measures to secure your home can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. By incorporating these ten tips, you can create a safer environment for your family and protect your valuable possessions. Whether you’re home or away, these steps will help ensure your home remains a secure and peaceful retreat.
Keeping your home secure is important for peace of mind, whether you’re at home or away.
With burglary being a distressing and often traumatic experience, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your property and possessions. Here are ten tips to help you improve your home security.
1. Check Your Home Insurance Policy
Ensure that your home insurance policy is up to date and covers both your building and contents while your home is unoccupied.
Buildings insurance protects your home from damage due to extreme weather or fire, while contents insurance covers your possessions in case of theft. Regularly review your policy to ensure comprehensive coverage.
2. Install Smart Security Cameras
Modern smart security cameras are a powerful deterrent for burglars. These devices allow you to monitor your home from anywhere via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Look for features like motion-triggered recording, night vision, and two-way audio.
These features enable you to keep an eye on your property day and night, offering real-time alerts and the ability to playback and download footage if needed.
3. Use Smart Lightbulbs
Burglars often target homes that appear unoccupied. Smart lightbulbs can be controlled remotely, allowing you to turn lights on and off to give the impression that someone is home.
These bulbs are typically compatible with devices like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, and their energy-efficient LED technology ensures that keeping your home secure won’t be costly.
4. Secure Gates and Fences
Ensure your gates and fences are in good condition and provide a strong barrier against intruders. Use tall, sturdy gates and fences with secure hinges, bolts, and padlocks. Consider adding trellis panels to the top of your fences, which are difficult for intruders to climb.
5. Lock Away Tools and Ladders
Tools and ladders left in accessible areas can be used by burglars to break into your home. Always lock these items away in a secure shed or garage. Ensure that these outbuildings are locked and that tools are not left in plain sight.
6. Use A Video Doorbell
A video doorbell is a great addition to your home security system. These devices notify you of any activity at your door, allowing you to see and speak to visitors even when you’re not home.
They are particularly useful for monitoring deliveries and deterring potential intruders. Footage from these doorbells can also be valuable for police investigations if a burglary occurs.
7. Don’t Announce Your Absence
Avoid discussing your travel plans publicly or on social media. If potential burglars know you’ll be away, they may see this as an opportunity to break in. Instead, inform a trusted neighbor or friend who can keep an eye on your property while you’re gone.
8. Hide Valuables Out Of Sight
Keep valuable items such as jewellery, laptops, and electronics out of sight from windows. Use curtains or blinds to conceal these items, and consider investing in a safe for smaller valuables. Keeping these items hidden can reduce the temptation for burglars to target your home.
9. Consider Self Storage For Valuables
For items that you don’t need on a daily basis but want to keep safe, consider using a self-storage facility that allows you to store-by-the-box. These facilities offer high levels of security, including surveillance cameras and restricted access, which can significantly reduce the risk of theft.
This is particularly useful for family heirlooms, important documents, and valuable collections.
10. Maintain Your Burglar Alarm
A visible and functional burglar alarm is one of your best defenses against break-ins. Ensure your alarm system is regularly maintained and that the external sounder or bell box is clearly visible.
Regular checks can prevent false alarms and ensure your system is always in working order.
Conclusion
Taking proactive measures to secure your home can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. By incorporating these ten tips, you can create a safer environment for your family and protect your valuable possessions. Whether you’re home or away, these steps will help ensure your home remains a secure and peaceful retreat.
