Tips on How to Keep Your Home Safe

It’s something we all worry about from time to time and we all want to feel as safe as we can in our own homes, but it is a sad fact that according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics there were 272,402 burglaries carried out between June 2022 and June 2023, that’s 746 a day or 31 every hour.

However there are plenty of ways you can help deter criminals from entering your home, we’ve outlined a few options to improve your security inside and outside.

Close and Lock Windows and Doors

An open door or window is the ideal chance for an opportunistic burglar; always ensure you close them when unattended. A thief doesn’t need much time to get in and out of a property so make sure they are closed and locked even if just leaving the house for a few minutes for example on the school run, or taking the dog for a walk.

You can also invest in window restrictors if your windows open outwards. These will allow you to ventilate a room but will only open the window so far and cannot be picked or unlocked from the outside. If you have sash windows use a sash stop to prevent the window being opened enough to fit a person through it from the outside.

Ensure your home is as secure as it can be by making sure all windows have the right security and the doors have the right security. Double lock your doors and use the night-latch if you have one. If you need help installing a lock you can find an accredited locksmith here.

Use CCTV Security Cameras to Keep an Eye on Things

A security camera acts as a deterrent for criminals as they do not want to be seen or heard. You can buy cameras for both the inside and outside of your home, and even for the garden shed or garage. There are different types of camera including ones that are motion sensor activated, some with incorporated floodlights, and increasingly popular smart options that allow you to control the camera/s from a personal device such as a smartphone or laptop. If you are installing CCTV be sure that you are respecting the privacy of any neighbours.

Install an Alarm System to Deter Intruders

Acting as a visual prompt to discourage thieves, an alarm system mounted on the outside of your property can help to keep burglars at bay. There are different types of alarm on the market including battery-powered wireless alarms, and kits that feature everything you need to help protect your home like PIR sensors, door and window sensors, external sirens, keypads, and remote controls.

FAQs

How can I keep my house safe at night?

You can install motion detector lighting that is triggered if someone walks near your property, ensure all doors and windows are locked, and try using timer lights that switch on and off at random intervals during the night. Also make sure any valuable items are out of sight; consider investing in a safe so you can lock things like precious jewellery away securely.

How to keep your house safe when on holiday?

Security cameras that can be monitored remotely will help you keep an eye on things while you are away. Also let your neighbours know you are not at home so they will be alerted to any suspicious activity, or join your local Neighbourhood/ Residents Watch Scheme. Try to make your house look occupied; you could leave some washed up pans on the draining board, and put a radio or smart speaker on a timer. Don’t forget to cancel doorstep milk deliveries.

How can Smart Home Technology Help Protect my Home?

You can use smart home devices to monitor your property 24 hours a day, even when you are not at home. Some devices will alert you to any suspicious activity, or gadgets like smart doorbells will show you who is at the door without you having to go to it.

More Tips on Securing your Home

• Keep a list and photograph items of value; if the worst happens it will help claim with insurers and help get your items back to you if they are retrieved by the police.
• Don’t forget any outdoor storage; if you keep valuable items such as gardening tools, a bike, or a lawnmower here then make sure to add a lock to your shed or other outdoor storage units.
• Rather than leave keys under the doormat or hidden in a plant pot where anyone could find them, buy a lock box that can be opened by a combination lock so only those with the code can access them.

Get in Touch

For any questions regarding locks, door and window furniture, smart home, or any other products relating to home security, get in touch with one of our live chat experts who are happy to help or contact your local HSS branch.

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