It is unfortunate, but crime is a huge problem with many criminals targeting people’s homes as they know that there are valuable items inside. As anyone that has been a victim of a break in will tell you, this is a truly horrifying experience and it can take a long time to feel relaxed in your own home after this. It is for this reason why it is worth boosting your home security to deter or stop criminals in their tracks and provide complete peace of mind. You do not need fancy security systems to do this (although they certainly help), so here are a few simple ways to improve your home security to protect your house, family and possessions.
Deterrents
Ideally, you do not want a criminal even stepping foot on your property, let alone trying to gain access. The best way to do this is with a deterrent – the best example is a security camera directly outside the front of the house (many people opt for a decoy one, but a real one can be better to use). A decal which warns of a security system in place can also work well. Another option is a “beware of the dog sign” which can scare people off (even if you don’t have a dog!). Owning a dog is also a deterrent, they can be excellent at protecting their family.
Security Alarm
It is obvious, but a security alarm is a fantastic investment and it is better to be safe than sorry in this case. The majority of these alarms have an exterior casing (which contains the alarm) – be sure to place this in a highly visible space outside the front of your home. It may not look nice, but it is a brilliant deterrent as it clearly shows that you have an alarm and take the security of your home seriously.
Home Automation
Technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and there are now all kinds of aspects of the home which can be controlled without you being there or via your smartphone. If you are away from the property, deter thieves by occasionally turning the lights on in the house so that it looks like people are home.
Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting is always a good idea as this allows you to see where you are going after dark, but it can also be used to stop criminals. Exterior motion sensor lighting is ideal as this will brighten up the house as soon as somebody is near – this can frighten criminals while also alerting you to somebody’s presence outside.
Window Stops
More often than not, a thief will gain access to a home via an unlocked window. It is easy to forget about the windows at night or when you leave the house, but a window stop can stop a criminal from opening a window but still allows ventilation. This is ideal for summer, which is also the time where opportunities criminals can gain access to properties via open windows.
Garage
Many homeowners forget about securing their garage, but this can be a place where you store valuable items, and some even have direct access to the home. Cookson steel garage doors are a great way to secure your garage with a range of locking options. This can also help to improve the curbside appeal of your property. Additionally, avoid having the garage door open when you are at home – this is essentially adverting what you are storing inside.
Neighborhood Watch
The cheapest and easiest way to boost your home security is to speak to your neighbors. If you are going away for a few days, you could ask them to keep an eye on the property, empty your mail (something criminals look out for), put out your trash etc. Just be sure to return the favor!
Don’t Advertise Vacant Properties
One of the most common mistakes that people make is advertising the fact that they are not at home on social media. It might be tempting to post that you are going abroad on holiday for two weeks, but it is all too easy for a thief to see this online and take advantage of the opportunity.
Video Doorbell
Video doorbells are relatively new inventions, but they are highly worth the price-tag. A video doorbell uses a camera placed over the door which transmits a signal to an app so that you can see and speak to the person outside your door via your smartphone (this will either be activated when the ringer is pressed or a motion detector will automatically activate the camera). This can deter criminals if you are away from the property, as well as allow you to see if it is safe to answer the door before actually opening it.
Fencing
A permitted fence can make it much harder to gain access to the property and, importantly, much more noticeable. If you do not have a gate and fence, then anybody can stroll up to the property, but if they have to climb over the top then (hopefully) somebody will notice this.
Key Safe
Hiding a key under the doormat or under a plant pot is a terrible idea and asking for trouble. It is understandable why people want to have a spare key kept outside their home as it can be easy to forget keys or somebody may need to pop round when the property is empty, but it should always be kept somewhere safe and secure. A key safe with a reinforced door which requires a combination code is a smart investment as these cannot be broken into – just don’t leave the combination written down anywhere!
These are just a few ways that you can easily boost your home security. High-tech security systems are great, but they can also be highly expensive. You do not need to spend a fortune to improve home security, so take the above steps to stop criminals in their tracks and also for complete peace of mind.
