Protecting your home and keeping your family safe and secure is a daunting responsibility. There are many ways you can improve the security of your home, we have outlined some easy security solutions you can follow.
‘Lived In’ Look
If you were to walk past any home and see yesterdays newspaper still sitting on the door step, you would naturally assume the occupants were not home. Give it a few more days, and more signs of a vacant home could appear like an overflowing letterbox or undelivered package dockets on the doorstep. These signs make it easy for burglars to tell if the home is vacant.
Appearance is key to deterring unwanted attention to your home. If you or your neighbours are going away for a prolonged period, arrange for them to bring in your post (and vice versa) and you should cancel your magazine/newspapers deliveries for the duration of your absence. You should also ensure you haven’t left curtains drawn, and buy a timer for your lights to come on, which make it look like there is someone home.
Windows and Doors
It might seem like an obvious one, but time and time again we see break-ins occur via open doors. Don’t leave windows open when you are away from the house, even the slightest gap could be enough for a burglar to gain access to your home. If possible, install a front and back door with minimal glass as this can easily be broken. Also, place good quality locks on any outdoor sheds, oil tanks etc. Install an alarm system in your home, or create the illusion that you have an alarm system by placing a sticker on a front window of your property with an alarm company’s logo.
Neighbourhood Watch
While you are ultimately responsible for the safety of your own home, remember your neighbours are your greatest allies. Get to know and trust your neighbours and keep an eye out for each other. Set up a neighbourhood watch initiative to increase safety and promote community spirit. You can ask your local Police department for details about setting one up and the procedures to follow.
Stranger Danger
Never let anyone into your home that you don’t know. If you are having any maintenance work done in your home, only use tradesmen from a reliable, verified company. Ask family and friends to recommend companies who have completed work in their homes. Check their websites and ask for references before you select a company. Even in an emergency, if someone knocks on your door looking to use the phone, bring the phone out to them, do not let them inside. Check the credentials of door-to-door salespeople and don’t be afraid of offending them, if they are who they say they are, they should be happy to accommodate your request.
