As part of your New Year’s resolution for 2014 it may be
worth thinking about being more security conscious when it comes to the
security of your home.
When considering how you may want to upgrade the security
of your home it is always a good idea to think like a potential intruder. The
majority of intruders will look for the best opportunity to break into a
property, some will even scope out a property prior to breaking in. Therefore
it is important to think about how you can ensure that your property appears as
if it is occupied at all times and that there isn’t anywhere external to your
home anyone could hide i.e. high hedges or bins.
Which advises that you ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it obvious when you're on holiday or away from the
home? For example, are your curtains always shut or is there lots of unopened
post?
- Are windows and doors left open, even if they're not
easily accessible?
- Do your windows and doors have visible locks?
- How well lit is the outside of your home?
- Is there a spare key that’s easily visible, or easy to
find, such as underneath the plant pot or above the ledge on the door?
- Are the lights on or off all the time, making it look
like you're away?
- Do you have high walls and hedges, which could give
burglars protection from being seen?
- Is accessing your house noisy for a burglar? For example,
is there gravel?
- Are there any ladders lying around that a burglar could
use?
- What equipment do you keep in your shed and garage? What
is its value and can it be used to help someone break in?
- How secure is the shed or garage? Is it always kept
locked with high-quality padlocks and security locks?
Additional Security Measures
How many of us actually use additional security in our
homes? According to figures by Which only 38% of Which members had extra locks fitted to their doors and 32% use a
door chain.
As well as having an extra lock or door chain fitted it
is also advisable you have the following fitted to your door:
- Spy-hole – Keep out any unwanted visitors! A spy-hole
offers 180 degrees of vision allowing you to identify callers before opening
the door.
- Hinge Bolts –Mortice fitted hinge bolts are designed
primarily for outward opening hinged wooden doors. These offer added protection
against forcing the door hinges and are automatically engaged when the door is
closed.
- Mortice Bolts – These are suitable for side and back
doors as well as French doors. These are fitted to the top and bottom of the
door and the bolts are not visible from the outside.
Letterbox guard/cage – These can be fitted to prevent
‘key fishing’ i.e. a burglar using props such as a coat hanger or fishing rod
to hook keys on the inside of the door (Aviva).
Other additional security measures you may want to
consider...
- Security lights - Lights with sensors in the garden and
front of your property will help to deter a burglar as they are more confident
when working in the dark.
- Key Safe - A Key Safe is a secure box where you can
safely and securely store your keys without having to hide them or to rely on a
neighbour or family member to look after them.
- Leave a light on a timer on if when you are not at home
as it will act as it will look like the home is occupied. Other products on the
market such as ‘Fake TV’ also act as a good deterrent as these products make it look like someone is
watching TV.
- Upgrade the locks on any garages or sheds and if there is
a window fit a curtain to ensure a burglar cannot see what is inside.
When having any additional security fitted to your home
it is always a good idea to call an accredited locksmith. An accredited locksmith
will be able to do a security and insurance compliance check on your home and they
will be more than happy to upgrade your home security for your peace of mind in
2014.
