There aren’t many better feelings than when you purchase a new home. Your mind is awash with design ideas, things you can change, what you can do to the garden, the perfect kitchen, which room to make your bedroom, etc. Not everybody’s mind switches to security right away, and that can be to your detriment. Even at the house hunting stage, the security of your home is of utmost importance.
Once you have the keys to your brand new home, take a tour of the premises and consider all the changes and systems you can put into place to set yourself up for a safe and secure home. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Security Alarms
In a study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, approximately 60% of burglars convicted of the crime said that the presence of a security alarm was what ultimately led them to target another home instead.
It makes perfect sense to have a security alarm fitted and for it to be on full display. This will give any potential criminals the heads-up that they shouldn’t be messing with your property, and give you the peace of mind required to leave your new home safe in the knowledge that your belongings are going to be there when you come back.
Technology truly is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to securing your home. There are now state-of-the-art alarm systems that can be controlled via remote control and mobile phone apps, and hook up to your locking systems and security lighting so that you have a full bespoke security system.
Whether your home is a two bedroom terrace or a beach-side mansion, there are alarm systems that can be fitted to various zones, front, back, upstairs and down, and can be activated, tested and turned off at the push of a button. There are hundreds of these systems out there, so it pays to read more.
Shutters for Doors and Windows
Retail outlets that don’t have the added security of having residential homes surrounding them swear by security shutters for their doors and windows, because they know that steel shutters are unlikely to be disturbed or broken into by criminals unless they come seriously prepared. It pays to have the same state of mind when securing your home.
There are a number of businesses that specialize in creating shutters for residential homes, and they can be made to suit the type of home you have, so don’t worry if you’re thinking of having ugly steel shutters on your home. You can have some beautiful shutters made for your home that give you the extra security your home needs.
Security Cameras
Contrary to belief, the majority of burglaries take place between 10 am and 3 pm. This is peak time for people being at work, which in turn improves the odds for thieves to enter your home without bumping into the owner, something that is more likely to happen if they creep through the doors or windows in the middle of the night.
A great way to improve your chances of deterring criminals is to install security cameras onto your premises as soon as you are moved in, especially if you are likely to be out most days during those peak hours of criminal activity. Your cameras, like the alarm systems, should be hiding in plain sight. They will keep an eye on your property and put doubt into criminals minds at the same time.
Security Lighting
Locks, alarms, and cameras are the big three when it comes to securing your new home, but another safe choice is security lighting. From a burglars point of view, the last thing they want is to approach a property and have their dreams of a big score destroyed by the sudden appearance of bright lights. It is, however, exactly what the homeowner wants to see.
If your property has a large garden at the front and rear, or your home is in a remote area, security lighting can be a godsend. They can be triggered by wandering neighborhood cats from time to time, but it’s better safe than sorry, and give you peace of mind during the night, when homeowners feel at their most vulnerable.
Be Careful What You Post on Social Media
If you’ve just purchased a new home, chances are you won’t be jetting off around the world any time soon. However, it pays to know when and when not to post on social media. We’ve all had the urge to gloat to our Facebook friends and Instagram followers about the vacation we’re taking, but what most people don’t realise is that, in doing so, you are putting a message out to burglars that you will not be at your home for the foreseeable future, and that your home is there for the taking.
As a general rule, save from posting about your vacation until you are back home. You can post as many selfies and beach photos as you like once you are safely back within your four walls, knowing that everything will be in its rightful place because you haven’t advertised to thieves that you are away.
A Top Quality Garage Door
Burglars will often take their time when choosing a property to target, and their choice is often made by weak spots in the front of the property, which includes the garage door. If your new doesn’t have a strong, excellent quality garage door, you should certainly consider getting one fitted. If thieves can get through this door, chances are the interior door that will give them full access to your property will be a lot easier to gain access.
Likewise, with the security equipment and the doors and windows of the property, a strong-looking garage door will deter thieves and make them look elsewhere, which is exactly the feeling you want to give them. Invest a little time and money into your security, and you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, and you can enjoy your new home in peace.