Can you believe, it’s coming to the end of the year and the decade?! Here at ABS, we want to wish all of our customers a merry Christmas and a wonderful start to 2020.
Unfortunately, burglaries don’t stop just because it’s Christmas. The aftermath of a break-in can be emotionally and financially devastating. There are, however, many steps you can take which will greatly reduce the risk of your home being targeted.
Here are our top home security tips to help keep your property safe and secure this Christmas.
Check Your Locks
It sounds obvious, but when everyone is having good time security around our home can lapse. Thieves will look for any opportunity to break into your home, so leaving doors or windows unlocked is practically inviting them for Christmas Dinner.
Before you go to bed, always make sure all doors and windows have been locked, and that any alarms have been set. You can also buy internal window bars/shutters if your neighbourhood is prone to crime, ensuring that even if windows are smashed nobody can actually get in.
Get Aluminium Windows
Due to the fact that aluminium windows are a lot more durable than those made of uPVC, it’s worth switching your old plastic windows for some new, aluminium windows.
Our aluminium windows will come with an architectural powder coating to ensure that they last as long as possible. The powder coating is ideal because it helps to protect your round windows from weathering. They are also a big improvement to the security of your home because it will be harder for a bugler to break through metal windows than plastic.
Home Security Systems
Aside from traditional CCTV, there are now countless apps and devices you can use to secure your home. By choosing a sensor-activated device, you will be notified of any suspicious movement or activity detected at your home while you’re out.
So, should anyone try their luck by breaking into your home, you can catch them in the act and alert the police. This is a much better tactic than trying to guess who it was after it happened.
These systems are easy to set up, plus they are directly linked to your smartphone. That way, you can constantly monitor whether it was just the innocent cat or someone trying to steal from you.
Let There Be Light
Street light helps prevent crime, and you can employ the exact same tactic around your home too. Start by setting your lights to a timer, so that it always appears someone is in.
In addition, you can install motion-sensor security lights outside your property (ideally next to your CCTV for better image quality). This will also deter thieves who think they cannot be seen when a huge beam of light appears on them!
The more light that floods the exterior of your property the better. After all, if it seems like someone is in, burglars are a lot less likely to try their luck.
Don’t Be A Walking Advert
We all know not to leave items on display in our cars to avoid theft, yet few of us follow the same principle when it comes to our homes. Leaving big-ticket items in the window of your home may as well be a neon sign for people looking to break in and steal from you.
One quick smash and they can easily retrieve the item and run off with it, long before you’ve had a chance to catch them. Avoid this by keeping valuables away from windows or doors.
This includes Christmas trees with presents underneath, especially if you are then going out to work all day leaving these in your front window.
Consider Replacing Doors/Windows or Locks
Incredibly, 73% of burglars enter through the front door. Likewise, old or faulty windows or locks could pose a huge security risk. That’s why it’s important to replace any lock or mechanism that is not safe and secure.
Remember, the easier it is for someone to break in, the more likely it is to happen. Burglars don’t like a challenge!
As window specialists here at ABS, we’d be more than happy to advise on upgrading your windows. You can also check out a recent blog post we wrote on aluminium vs uPVC windows.
In Summary
It’s important to take steps to protect your property, especially over Christmas when thieves are looking to strike. By making sure your home is safe and secure, burglars will be deterred from targeting your home.
For more information, give us a call on 01623 721 172, we’re more than happy to answer any question you might have.