5 Ways to Improve the Security of Your Home

Unfortunately, while there has been a reduction in the number of burglaries reported over the last few years the figure still stands at close to half a million a year. The fact that many burglaries and thefts are opportunist crimes, means that any measures you can take to improve the security of your home will undoubtedly reduce the risk of home intrusion. It is a well-documented fact that would-be thieves will give a wide berth to properties with visible deterrents such as CCTV and Alarm Systems. However, along with installing high spec security systems, there are a few other ways you can improve the security of your home and ensure those would be burglars go looking elsewhere. 

Fit a New Garage Door

In many cases, garages are full of expensive items such as power tools, bicycles, motorcycles and of course cars. This makes them an Aladdin’s Cave for most thieves who are looking for easy access to these type of things. In most modern houses garages offer a direct route into the house itself. So, as you can see an old or non-functional garage door is a green light for an opportunist thief. 

Wether you’re looking for garage doors in Wigan, Sheffield or anywhere in the UK, you will automatically improve the security of a home. The modern garage door is designed with security and convenience in mind, meaning that putting the car away at night is a quick and easy task, and any property stored in there is significantly safer. A new secure garage door will prompt many thieves to bypass your home for easier pickings.  

Light it Up 

The installation of outdoor lighting especially with motion sensors attached is another way of keeping intruders at bay. Most thieves prefer to operate under the cover of darkness, installing lighting will put them firmly in the spotlight making it extremely difficult for them to break into your home. 

One of the first things a burglar looks for is any type of activity in a property. Using timers to switch lights on when you are not at home will always give the illusion that there is someone in.  

Improve Your Locks

While fitting cheap locks might seem a cost-saving at the time it can be counter-productive. Cheap and ill-fitting locks can easily be bypassed by thieves looking to enter your property. By fitting upgraded British Standard locks, or even new smart locks to your doors and windows you can give your home a much higher level of security. 

In fact, fitting better quality locks can often prove a cost-saving as many insurance companies offer discounted premiums for homeowners who fit quality locking systems. 

Don’t Hang Keys Near Your Door 

For many years people have had a habit of hanging both house and car keys right next to the front door. This was to make them easily accessible when entering and leaving the house and to stop them from getting lost. However, if they are accessible to you they are also accessible to thieves who will use a range of tools to get at them through your letterbox. 

With improved security systems on cars quite often the only way thieves can steal the high-end cars they are looking for is with the keys. This means leaving your keys within reach of the front door is putting both your home and car at risk. Try and find a suitable secure place within the house to store your keys at all times but especially at night. 

Hide Your Valuables

Never leave expensive items in plain sight, electronic items, jewellery and cash are the things that appeal most to thieves. Try keeping them hidden somewhere that is inaccessible to people other than you. Think about using a home safe for expensive items, don’t forget in many cases these things will have not only monetary but also sentimental value.

The things outlined above are not a definitive list by any stretch of the imagination. However, the five things listed above will undoubtedly make your home a more secure environment and will usually deter all but the most determined intruder.