Aside from taking out adequate Building & Contents Insurance on your home, so you’re always covered in the event of a home invasion, there are some effective changes you can make to keep your home better protected!
Firstly, your home is most likely to be broken into when it’s empty/ appears to be empty.
So, having a timer or Smart home device to control your lights/ radio/TV can deter would-be burglars from entering your property. Smart home devices can be controlled via your mobile, so you can ensure it looks like someone is home, even when they’re not.
Secure your doors.
Make sure your door frames and hinges are strong and that no one can reach in and unlock your door through your letterbox. You can install a deadbolt and get Smart locks for your property for added reliable security.
Additionally, a video doorbell makes home security easier whether you’re in or out of the house.
Lock your windows as well as your doors.
Generally, burglars make their entry via a door or window, so it’s worth securing them all. Double-glazed windows are much harder to break into than single-glazed windows and your insurance cost may even reflect this.
- Reinforce glass with a window security film
- Install window or glass break sensors
- You can add window bars if you live in a high-crime area
Install outdoor lighting
Put the spotlight on any potential burglars.
Keep lights around your front and back gardens, up your pathway and near the garage/ other outdoor structures. Solar-powered lights are great for added security.
Ideally…
- Use motion-activated lights
- Put outdoor lights on a timer.
Secure your garage
Even if your house is not accessible via your garage, most people with garages store valuable items in there – such as bikes and power tools. Ensure you lock the doors to the exterior and interior & if you have a security code, don’t let anyone else see you enter it.
You can –
- Upgrade to a smart garage door opener – so you can remotely lock it if you forget
- Cover windows to avoid passing temptation
- Secure garage doors with extra locks or zip ties.
Install a security system
The best system for you depends on your home and neighbourhood. Your local police department can provide you neighbourhood crime statistics to help you do a home security evaluation of your home. Either install a complete home security system or individual cameras – but it’s recommended to install cameras with remote access via your mobile, for up to date security and the option to keep recordings, should you need to show the police later.
Secure your home’s exterior
- Always store stools and ladders inside
Lock gates, sheds & other outdoor buildings. A dead bolt can deter as well as prevent burglars from entering your premises, as a visibly accessible gate may make the whole property look insecure.
- Don’t leave any items of value on display in the garden.
- You can add security signs and stickers to deter burglars.
Secure your Wi-Fi
Your home wireless network stores your personal and financial information. If you use home automation (smart device), it can make your house that bit more vulnerable to a security break-in.
So, ensure you –
- Secure your wireless router
- Enable WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption
- Rename your home network
- Install anti-virus and anti- malware protection
- Use a firewall
- Create strong passwords
Get a safe with a redundant lock
In the event that someone gets past your other security, ensure that your most important valuables are protected in a safe overnight.
A safe should be fire-resistant, waterproof and heavy enough that a thief can’t take it with them. Some home insurance policies insist on it!
You can get either a portable or anchored safe.
Utilise home automation
A Smart home device can add extra security to your home, allowing you remote control of the features, such as the lights, cameras and alarms etc.
- You’ll be alerted in real-time of any suspicious activity at your home, so you can act quickly
- Check on a smoke alarm & cancel false alarms from your Smartphone
- Utilise two-way talk via a smart device at the front of your property.
