Most people consider their home to be their refuge from the world outside, keeping their family safe. But it’s likely that a lot of houses and flats are at more risk of being broken into than you might think. According to Statista, there were more than 250,000 burglaries last year in the UK, and that figure is actually significantly lower than in the previous year. The lockdown measures due to Covid might have improved the home security outlook, but keeping your house or flat safe from intruders is still an important concern for most homeowners.
6 Ways to Improve Your Home Security
Luckily, there are simple actions you can take to improve your home security. Burglars are more likely to focus on easy targets when looking for a property to break into. The more difficult you make it for them to gain access to your home, the more likely it is they will go elsewhere. Here are six steps to improving your home security:
1. Security Cameras
There are modern smart security cameras that are designed for use indoors and outdoors. They will record any activity as well as enable you to see and hear what’s going on at home wherever you are using a proprietary handheld screen or an app on your phone, tablet or computer. They are available with a range of options, including infrared night vision, motion sensors and two-way audio, and they can be surprisingly affordable.
Often, thieves can be deterred from breaking into a property if they even think there is a CCTV system pointing at them, so be sure to place them where they can get a good view of your property but also where they can be readily seen without being easy to reach.
2. Lighting
It seems that thieves almost always strike after dark. That makes sense when you consider they’re less likely to be spotted that way. You can make it difficult for thieves to operate in the dark by fitting good outdoor lighting.
There are different styles of outdoor lighting to suit every taste and budget, from wall-mounted uplighters or downlighters to lanterns to decorative garlands. For deterring intruders, a spotlight activated by a motion sensor will provide a bright flash that lights up the area when someone moves within the sensor’s range.
3. Security Alarm
Having an alarm fitted to your property will provide visual proof that your home is protected, and it’s less likely that a would-be thief would chance setting it off. Modern alarm systems are sophisticated with a wide range of options, including motion detection, wireless capabilities and key fob activation.
Having a home security alarm installed is reasonably affordable for the most basic types but it does require a monthly subscription for an alarm response service.
4. Smart Home Features
Modern technology offers many different ways to use smart systems to help protect your house and garden. For example, not only can you get remote control of your security cameras, but you can also access your door locks, heating, lighting, curtains or blinds and electrical switches, all from wherever you happen to be. This can give you peace of mind when you’re away from home and is ideal for making your house look like someone is home even when it’s empty.
5. Tidy Up
If you leave tools and other objects within reach in your garden, thieves can take advantage of them to make it easier to break into your house. Investing in a lockable garden shed or summer house will give you a convenient and safe place to store your outdoor equipment. You can store your items out of reach of anyone who would use them to get inside your home, and it will also help prevent them from being stolen themselves.
6. Upgraded Windows and Doors
Investing in replacement windows or replacement doors gives you the opportunity to upgrade their security features for models that are better able to keep intruders out. Because of the strength of the materials used in their construction, aluminium windows and doors are the ideal choices for safety.
One of the simplest ways to improve your doors is by having models fitted with locks that are easy to use but engage at multiple points, making them almost impossible to break. Better locks are also a great option for new windows that will make them easier to close and safer. You can even have windows that are manufactured with security glass that would-be burglars are unable to break or just ensure that you keep on top of any repairs.
Find out more from our blog on the different types of window locks.
No home security system is going to be perfect. But with these simple changes, you can help it be far less likely you will be robbed by making your house and garden unappealing to someone looking for an easy target.
If you’re interested in upgrading your windows or doors to something more secure, get in touch with us on 01623 721 172 and we’ll help you in any way we can. We provide services to London, Nottingham, Derby and the rest of the UK.