The subject of home security has been much discussed in local media recently and has probably been a concern of yours ever since you moved into your first property.
Before I give you my tips I want to remind you that it’s not all doom and gloom out there. Only a small percentage of homes get broken into each year, and if you follow my tips, we can do as much as possible to eliminate your home from that list.
Criminals are not usually very smart (with some very few exceptions), so a few simple deterrents are going to be very effective generally speaking.
These are some of the most effective points that I have found in my experience. You might be able to think of a few others, and if so I would love to hear your ideas – please let me know.
1. Leaving home – lock your doors and windows
Seems like it should be really obvious, but you would be surprised how often a thief will gain access through an already unlocked door or window. And it’s really hard to explain on the insurance form! If you are leaving do a quick double check that all of your doors and windows are properly locked.
2. Don’t leave the house looking vacant
This is particularly important if you are away for an extended period. Put a couple of internal lights onto timers so the house looks occupied. Have someone clear mail out form the mailbox. Get someone to put the bin out on garbage night (it’s like hanging out a sign saying “we’re on holidays” if your house is the only one in the street without bins out). Be careful who you mention that you’re going away to.
3. Get friendly with your neighbours
Be friendly, say hello, perhaps help out from time to time – and in return, if they see something unusual or out of the ordinary around your home you can be sure they will mention it or even call the police on your behalf.
4. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight
I’m sure you want everyone to know about your giant flat screen TV, but seriously, keep the blinds closed, or put the TV in a room that is not easily visible from the street. You don’t have to rearrange your home or live like a hermit, but don’t make it window shopping either. And perhaps refrain from talking to strangers about something expensive you may own.
5. Invest in decent locks, or change the locks when moving in
A good solid lock on doors and entry points is crucial. A basic door lock can be easily accessed, so make it a bit harder by installing heavier more durable locks. And if you are moving into a house that was previously occupied, whether as an owner or tenant, get the locks changed. You can’t tell who else might have a key.
6. A few simple hacks;
If you have a sliding door get a piece of wood to prevent it sliding open when its shut.
If you have windows that are rarely used, use screws to shut them so that they are permanently closed.
Put some ‘Security Installed’ placards on the street obvious windows and doors. Even if you don’t have a system installed. Yes, seriously.
7. Watch who you open the door to
Crims do in fact often ‘case’ a home before breaking in. If someone knocks on the door, do answer the door (an unanswered doorbell may be an invitation to break in), but don’t open it further than you have to. If you have a chain, use it.
Be careful what you say; don’t give any indication as to when you may or may not be home, or who lives in the house or what sort of job they have etc.
Don’t discuss any contents of the house, your income bracket, or your identity unless the person clearly identifies themselves and has a good reason for gaining that information (such as police).
8. Install the best security system you can afford
Get your home assessed by a professional security system installer, and get a system installed that fits your budget but is practical.
Where possible make some (but not all) aspects of your system visible (but out of reach) so as to act as a deterrent.
Gsec Security can help you on the last point – installing a good security system and are happy to discuss options on the other points, as well as give you their own personal experience from years in the industry.