For most of us, there’s no place like home. Even the thought of intruders encroaching on your space can be distressing. You’ve worked hard to buy those prized possessions, and your home is your sanctuary. A burglary can make you feel unsafe in your own home, and turn a haven into somewhere where you feel anxious and vulnerable. If you’re keen to protect your home this winter, take these helpful tips on board.
Securing your home
Some thieves will walk over metaphorical hot coals to get what they want. But often, you’ll find that even the simplest security measures put them off. If you have an alarm, your home is located behind gates, or you have outdoor lights, your home will be more difficult to breach than others that don’t have these features. You don’t have to spend a huge amount. You’ll find that there are alarm systems to suit all budgets. If you’re not sure what to go for, you can check out reviews for systems like at&t digital life security online. Many systems have visible detectors, which are located outside. You can also place stickers on the gate or mailbox to inform thieves that your home is protected by an alarm system. Beware of the dog signs are also an effective deterrent. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that more than 70% of homes targeted in the UK do not have a burglar alarm.
If you live in an area where burglaries are commonplace, it may be worth considering investing in CCTV. Cameras are a visible deterrent for thieves, and you can also see what’s going on outside your home using indoor screens and monitors. If you do see individuals lurking around, you can call the police. The other advantage of CCTV is it records what happens. If your home is burgled while you’re out, the footage will show you exactly what happened.
Preventing easy access and open invitations
Open windows and doors are easy picking for thieves on the prowl. If you leave windows open, it’s easy to get into and out of the house without causing a commotion or rousing suspicion. An open front door is an even more appealing invitation. More than 50 percent of break-ins occur at the front of the house. Make sure your front door is locked at all times. If you only have a single lock, consider adding a chain or an additional lock.
If you have a garage, ensure the doors are closed and locked. If the garage door is open, this can grant a thief easy access to valuable possessions and the rest of the house if there is a connecting door.
Before you go out or you hit the hay, have a walk around the house, and check that every access point is secured. This should include external gates and doors and windows in the basement or attic.
One of the most common reasons thieves target certain houses over others is valuable items on display. If you have phones, tablets or jewellery in view of windows and doors, this can make your home an attractive option. Keep your curtains closed when you’re not in, and hide expensive items. If you have cash, valuable jewellery or items with sentimental meaning, consider buying a safe. If you don’t have a safe, avoid leaving these items in obvious places. Most thieves will expect to find jewellery in the master bedroom, for example.
Take care when you’re opening the door to people you don’t know. Often, when the doorbell rings, it will be a friend or relative popping in to say hello. However, there are opportunists out there who may try and take advantage. Beware of people posing as engineers or salespeople who do not have identity badges. If you have any suspicions at all, don’t let them in. If you think somebody tried to scam you, let the police know. This will help to prevent others from being targeted.
Most of us work very hard to put a roof over our heads. Home is a place like no other whether you’re renting or you’re a homeowner. This should be somewhere you feel safe and relaxed. Sadly, burglaries do happen. If you’re desperate to keep your home safe from thieves this winter, follow these steps. Look into adding security measures, such as a new alarm system or outdoor lighting. Make sure all your windows and doors are locked and conceal valuable items from sight. Take care when you’re opening the door, and let the police know if you have any concerns.
XOXO
Debbie
[…] give an open invitation to burglars to enter your home, but you may be doing so unwittingly. To protect your prized possessions, consider the following, and if you are guilty of making your home vulnerable to those blasted […]