While a lot of security measures may be obvious to many, sometimes we all need reminding that there are things you can do to improve the security of your home. You need to remain in control of your premises, not just to minimise the risk of any damage to your property, but also to protect the people who live and work inside them.
The most consistent way to burglar-proof your home is to invest in some high quality locks. Leading Locksmiths can supply and install locks for homes, warehouses and other properties throughout central London and beyond, so call us today if you feel your premises could do with a security upgrade.
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Ways To Protect Your Home
- Never leave your spare key in an obvious place. Although storing your key in the flower pot, on the window sill or under your floor mat may be convenient for you, remember that this means it’s equally as accessible to thieves.
- Don’t write your name on your keyring. Seems like a good idea at the time, but any intruder will be able to identify your set of keys and potentially let themselves into your home or car.
- Store your keys away from window ledges and other easy-to-reach places. Thieves may not be able to access your home via that half-open window, but if they can pick up your keys with a simple stretch of the arm, they’ll be able to open the door themselves.
- Hide your possessions strategically. If burglars do manage to make it into your home, make it a less than fruitful task by hiding all of your valuable items in obscure places.
- Burglars hate dogs. There’s a reason why those ‘Beware of the Dog’ signs are so popular. Dogs are sensitive to noise and can raise the alarm if there’s a stranger lurking in the shadows.
- Secure ground floor windows properly. You can buy great quality locks or even install a window grille for enhanced security.
- Leave a light on while you’re not home. This gives the impression that the house isn’t empty, lessening the chance of a break-in.
- If you’re going away, get a friend to keep an eye on your property. Ask a neighbour or someone close to you to check up on your house regularly to make sure everything’s as it should be.
- Invest in a safe. Many people overlook the benefits of the traditional security device. Buy a safe that can be fixed to your property and therefore can’t be removed.
- Make sure that the outside of your home is well-lit. Simple but effective, this tactic will put off even the most experienced of burglars.
- Security cameras and alarms scare off intruders. If you can afford it, install security cameras or alarms in worthwhile locations. If you can’t afford to set them up, buying dummies is often enough to make the burglar think twice.
- Protect yourself financially in the event of an intrusion. You really can’t afford to go without home contents insurance. Pick a policy that covers all potential losses and make sure that you understand what you’re paying for to avoid any nasty surprises in the event of a burglary.
- Greenery and shrubbery provide cover for criminals. While they may look good and shelter your home from prying eyes, shrubs and other larger plants provide the perfect refuge for a burglar. If you’re not prepared to dig up your garden, make sure that your bushes are well-trimmed at all times. Stinging nettles are also a great deterrent!
- Buy a shredder for safe disposal of important documents. Another affordable crime preventive that many people often make do without. Don’t leave sensitive paperwork lying around – safely destroy everything you can to prevent identity fraud.
- Cover your driveway in gravel. Even the most light-footed of thieves won’t be able to cover their tracks.