It’s National Home Security Month, and with the darker nights drawing in there’s no better time to consider whether your home is safe from intruders – or if a few little adjustments could make it even more secure.
Cause for alarm?
The most obvious way to deter burglars is to use an alarm. There are plenty available on the market, including ones which can be installed professionally or one which can be purchased on the high street and installed yourself. If you feel that a working alarm is out of your price range, there’s always the option of fitting a dummy alarm box, which many people think acts as a very good deterrent too!
Locks and lights
Making sure you have quality locks on your doors and windows is one of the best way you can beat the burglars. Many uPVC doors are fitted with the euro profile cylinder locks which have well-documented faults that can be easily replaced, adding extra security to your home.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a motion-sensitive outdoor light, particularly if you have a pathway which runs to the rear of your home which someone could sneak down. Using an outdoor light will deter thieves, and alert you and passers-by to anyone on your property.
Light timers which you can set to turn on at different times of the day are a low cost option, which create the impression that you’re in your home when you’re actually out and about.
Social media
Everyone enjoys sharing a holiday selfie, but there are clear risks with letting people know that you’re away in the sunshine and your home is empty. You’re only sharing this information with friends, but if they inadvertently share this information with someone else maybe you’re making yourself vulnerable? Why not save the holiday snaps until you’re home.
Brambles beat burglars
Plenty of plants and flowers can literally be a thorn in the side of would-be burglars, especially if you’re concerned that they could approach your home via your garden. Pick pretty plants such as roses or even blackberries, and plant them along your fence or under your windows. They act as a great natural deterrent.
By the same token, it’s important to trim back any trees or bushes which might provide thieves with a possible hiding place.
Safer in storage
Many people often have an item or two in their home that they don’t know what to do with. Perhaps it’s expensive or holds great sentimental value, such as a family heirloom, yet it’s of no practical use to your family and maybe even gets in the way. If you can’t bear the thought of losing such an item, why not place it in storage? At Andrew Porter Ltd we offer cost-effective, individual storage units so you can enjoy complete peace of mind.
