According to crimerate.co.uk, last year (2022) there were over 250,000 reported burglaries in England and Wales. That’s an alarming statistic with 4.2 burglaries per 1,000 people – and that’s just the ones that are reported to the police! That makes home security even more important and something that homeowners and renters alike should be aware of. Long gone are the days of leaving a spare key under the doormat or doors and windows left unlocked. Home security has become more than just a precaution; it’s a necessary aspect of modern living.
Options for home security have become wider and cheaper, more accessible, and easier to install, use and monitor. Households are now starting to take their home security very seriously: fitting stronger locks, installing better lighting inside and out, not leaving valuables on show through downstairs windows. But home security encompasses more just better lighting, stronger locks and burglar alarms, it also includes adding security cameras (inside and out), video doorbells, safes including fireproof document boxes, personal attack alarms, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, panic buttons and more. And then there are the simple things that can make a massive difference like making sure that you lock all doors and windows when leaving the house or going to bed, keeping hedges and bushes trimmed, making sure fences are in good repair, not leaving tools and ladders in the garden that can be used to gain entry and so much more. And don’t forget to shred documents before you throw them out – you would be surprised how many burglars go throw your rubbish to find sensitive information that can help them access your home!
Below are some home security tips that will easily help your secure your home:
- Fit key operated window locks to all your windows.
- Lock all door and windows when leaving the house or even when you’re just out in the garden. Make sure that you double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn the key).
- If you have to leave a spare key outside (e.g. for carers) then make sure that you use a Police Preferred key safe.
- Have visible security devices such as a burglar alarm or security cameras and make sure that you set them every time you leave the house.
- Add a bell box to the outside of your home, essentially a loud siren to scare intruders away if it detects sounds like the breaking of glass or triggering a door sensor etc.
- Install a video doorbell (and regularly charge it).
- Change locks on doors to prevent lock snapping and add patio door locks.
- Install a strike plate to doors if you don’t already have one.
- Add exterior security lighting.
- Have internal lights and a radio or television on timer switches (or use Smart Bulbs and Smart Plugs), making sure that the timings are random so that a pattern cannot be established easily.
- Never leave any keys, including car keys, near the letterbox and in view (burglars are very good are using hooks through the letterbox).
- Don’t leave valuables on display that can be seen through the downstairs windows (e.g. don’t leave your laptop on the coffee table).
- Secure any small or high-value items and documents in a safe / fireproof box (secured properly to the floor) or in a bank vault.
- Mark all your property with your postcode and house number. You can register your property for free with Immobilise – it won’t stop items being stolen but increases your chances of getting things back.
- Ensure the fences around your garden are in good condition.
- Make sure bushes and hedges and trimmed to limit hiding spaces.
- Keep any gates to your garden locked and in good repair.
- Always keep ladders and tools stored away so that cannot be used to gain access to your home (a lot of burglars are opportunistic and don’t carry tools, they will just use what they find around your garden).
- Make sure any external buildings, such as sheds, are secure.
- Secure any bikes at home by locking them in the shed or garage (if you have one), preferably to an immoveable object.
- Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.
- Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Whilst there is no guarantee that following all the home security advice available will make your home 100% secure and off limits to burglars, it can help to deter thieves and make your home a less enticing prospect.
You can do a lot to secure your home without spending a lot of money, such as making your home look alive and lived in, locking doors and windows etc. but if you do need to purchase extra security equipment, I have been trying out some different security products such as security cameras for external and internal use, safes and fireproof document boxes among other equipment. Click the button below to read my Home Security reviews and see if any of items I have tried will make a difference to the security in your home and give you a bit more peace of mind.
For more information on protecting your home from crime, the Police.UK website has some excellent advice.