There’s no quick fix for making your home secure. Many factors need to be taken into account when monitoring and controlling the security of your home. It can be alarming at how many people don’t practice basic safety measures to protect their property. Secure homes require vigilance and consideration.
In 2016, it was found that an astonishing 4 out of 10 people don’t even lock their doors when they leave the house. But complete security relies on more than locking your doors at night.
We have compiled a checklist of all the measures that help towards keeping your home safe from theft and burglary.
3-Point Security Checklist For Securing Your Home:
1. External Security For Secure Homes
1a) Security Gates
Many people believe that as long as the front of their house is secure that is enough to deter thieves, but this simply isn’t the case. Thieves will scope out the entire property to find an entry point, which is why it’s important to protect the entire perimeter of your property. Security gates protect the side and back of your home and deter thieves.
1b) Well Maintained Gardens
Gardens that are overgrown and unkempt are more likely to be approached by thieves in an attempt to burgle. A garden that is well-maintained shows thieves that you care for your property, and therefore more likely to take the security steps needed to keep it safe. An untidy garden gives the impression that the owner doesn’t care much for their property, and are less likely to protect it well. Appearances can mean everything when protecting your home.
1c) Locked Sheds and Garages
People keep many valuables in sheds and garages, from sports bikes, expensive equipment, tools and lawnmowers. You may think thieves are only concerned with money or electronics and believe that your shed and garages are safe, but opportunistic thieves will take whatever they can sell. If it has any value it is worthwhile to steal and costly to replace. Fitting locks to sheds and garages prevents theft of a variety of personal items.
1d) Low Hedges
Many people wrongly assume that having a high hedge helps prevent burglary. If a thief can’t see the property, they won’t bother trying to burgle it, right? Wrong. High hedges are great for privacy but bad for security, as they give burglars places to obscure themselves and a vantage point to obscure their activity from neighbours. Keeping hedges low makes the suspicious activity more likely to be noticed.
1e) Security Lighting
Security lighting can work in two ways to deter burglary and theft. Good external lighting makes your home more visible to others and therefore less desirable to thieves. It can also act as a signal to your or your neighbours when the sensor lights come on, indicating that someone is on your property. Secure homes should always be well lit.
1f) CCTV Systems
CCTV systems are a great way of keeping an eye on the activity around your home. Being able to monitor the comings and goings of those around your property gives you more control over your environment. CCTV systems also act as a visible deterrent, as burglars are less likely to break into a home that has prominent security cameras.
2. Door Security For Secure Homes
2a) Practical Doors
Many people have damaged doors or locks that aren’t fit for purpose and are a security risk. A door that is cracked or broken in any way can be an advantage to a burglar trying to enter your home. Door frames should be as strong and sturdy as your door for the same reasons. A door in good working condition is the only kind of safe door. Secure homes means secure doors.
2b) Peep Holes
Those who omit peepholes for aesthetic reasons put themselves in danger from burglars who may trick you into entering your home under false pretences. Peepholes allow you to see visitors so you can decide if you want to answer the door to them, giving you better control of who has access to your home.
2c) Chain Locks
Chain locks should come fitted in your home, but some may consider them a hindrance or remove them for aesthetic reasons. Many believe that burglars are more likely to enter a home through a broken window, but a staggering 72% of burglars enter through the front door. Chain locks are a simple way to protect your home as they can make breaking in via a door difficult for a burglar.
2d) Letterbox Guards
If your door has a letterbox it may surprise you to learn that it is entirely possible to reach the door latch and chain by putting your hand through it. Wires or sticks can be used by burglars to manipulate the locks on your door and it can take mere minutes to gain access to your property. Letterbox guards and boxes can be fitted to the inside of your door and prevent reaching the locks from the outside.
3. Alarm Systems For Secure Homes
3a) Burglar Alarms
Most houses should be fitted with some alarm system, but many don’t keep it active on a regular basis. Having a burglar alarm and making sure it is turned on at night can deter theft and robbery. If your house is over 10 years old and your alarm has never been changed it may have developed faults and be less effective.
3b) Smoke Alarms
Burglary is only one aspect of security. Secure homes also require good fire safety measures to keep your property safe from damage. Many forget to change their battery in their smoke alarms every year, and it is recommended to replace your smoke alarm system entirely every ten years.
3c) Alarm Maintenance
One of the most important aspects of a functioning alarm system is keeping it maintained. If you don’t use your burglar alarm often you probably don’t make sure maintenance is carried out regularly and may not have any idea of if your alarm works the way it should. Making sure your alarms are tested and maintained twice a year keeps them in working order.
Contact Matrix Fire & Security
At Matrix Fire and Security we install, monitor and maintain all types of security control systems so you can have secure homes. From stand-alone coded keypads and fob reader units to fully integrated multi-network systems we will be able to provide a system tailored to suit your requirements.
Contact us for more information by giving us a call on 01296 614440, alternatively you can fill out our online enquiry form, and view our case studies.
