We all panic about the threat of burglary. It’s not just the expensive items, it’s the sentimental pieces at stake from break-ins, and even family pets. I experienced this in my Bedford home, and the results can be devastating. Just a trip to the shops or a night out can turn your life upside down if a burglar strikes your home. Social media is a huge contributor to burglaries, it’s easier than ever to know where somebody is, and if their home may be empty for a certain period of time. Take a look at my top tips for maintaining a safe home!
- Change the Locks
Recently moved in? We would always suggest changing your locks, otherwise the previous owners, and whoever they passed keys on to, can still gain access to your home. It might not sound likely but it happens, so take the extra precaution and get in touch with a reputable local domestic locksmiths. It will give you peace of mind and the knowledge that you’re the only one with access to your home.
- Keep Valuables Out of Sight
If you’re leaving the house with curtains and blinds open, be sure to pop any valuable items that you own out of site. Laptops, handbags and tablets are items that are commonly left around the house, and easy to steal! In fact laptops account for 34% of items commonly stolen in burglaries. Hide them from view from potential thieves to deter any prying eyes.
- Remove Potential Access
That ladder you keep in the garden? The perfect tool for breaking into the bathroom window. Make sure you keep any ladders and tools out of sight, let’s not make the thieves life easy! Anything capable of smashing glass should be stored away and ideally padlocked to ensure access can’t be gained.
- Buy an Alarm
If your house isn’t already hooked up to an alarm system, then you might want to think about investing in one. A statistic proved that 60% of burglars would stay away from a house if it had an alarm. Feel safe in your home, particularly at night with an alarm system.
- Light up
Great if your budget doesn’t stretch to an alarm system, it’s a good idea to buy a plug-in timer to ensure that a lamp or other light will flick in at certain times of the day. If you’re away for a weekend it might be a good idea to set a light to come on in the evening to suggest someone is in the house. Solar powered garden lights that light up paths are also a good idea, preventing thieves from wanting to get too close to your windows and doors.
- Ditch the ‘Hidden’ Keys
No more hiding the keys under the doormat or a plant pot, as creative as you think your hiding spot may be, it’s 2015 and burglars know all the tricks. If you’re worried about losing your keys, keep a spare with a trusted neighbour instead.
- Lock Your Windows
Never leave a window open when you go out EVER. Not even that one that looks too small for a human to get into. Not only will it make your home insurance void, it’s practically an open invitation to your house. You can purchase special window locks to fully secure your windows.
- Sensor Light
Place a sensor light high up to illuminate the surrounding of your house, this hopefully will deter burglars from getting any closer to your home!
