For most people, their home is their sanctuary and the place where they can retreat and relax; taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. It’s a place where we feel happy and most importantly, safe. Many of us fear falling victim to burglary and the idea of our possessions being ripped apart from us, and the thought of unknown people intruding in one of the most private areas of our lives – our property. In addition to specific security measures such as adding steel security doors to a property, there are various easy ways to effectively protect your property.
Unfortunately, according to a recent report by the Office for National Statistics, burglaries and thefts are on the rise across the UK. According to Britain’s largest police force, the Metropolitan Police, there has been a year-on-year rise when it comes to burglaries – an increase of over 21 percent. If you are curious about whereabouts in the UK is considered the top burglary hot-spots: according to an annual report by Money Supermarket that looked at more than two million home insurances quotes from the last two years:
- Guildford has the most burglary claims in the UK
- Cambridge came second place, a dramatic increase having previously been 12th in previous years
- Birmingham was in third place
Despite these potentially alarming statistics, there are things you can do to keep your home secure and safe. By far one of the most important ways in which you can keep your home secure is by making sure that the windows and doors are properly locked as a primary security measure.
Secure Property Gates and Fences
You may typically think of the doors inside your home when it comes to property security, but it is just as vital that you make sure the gates and fencing surrounding your house are safe too. Ways in which you can do this include having a garden gate at a similar height as corresponding fences and having walls or other perimeter security options surrounding the gate that are constructed securely.
If you can, secure two different locks on the garden gate. It is important that you check that padlock, bolts and hinges are on the garden side. If you can, try to choose a metal gate too. This is because they are harder to climb, and unlike a wooden gate, it won’t so easily conceal an intruder.
Storing Extra Keys Outside
If you are worried about keeping your house secure, leaving door keys outside under a plant plot or garden ornament is definitely not the way to go about it. If you must leave spare keys outside for someone; invest in a mounted key safe (but keep it discreet). They are usually tough enough to withstand a burglary attempt, such as trying to hammer through it, and most require a four-digit code so it can only be accessed by those in the know.
Upgrading your Locks
For your front door it is definitely worth improving your locks, this includes using a five-lever mortice deadlock, and a dead-latch cylinder lock. If you are unsure about the type of lock you will need, check with your home insurer or contact Secure Site today.
Strengthen Glazed Doors
This can be achieved by fitting a decorative metal grille on the inside of glazed or semi-glazed doors to add more security to the doors in question. You should also make sure that glass is laminated when replacing the glazing and when buying a new glazed door.
Double Lock Your Access Points
Putting two locks on external doors is one of the best things you can do to prevent burglaries through using both a deadlock and a night latch, making it much harder for burglars to get in. When you are inside your home it is worth using the security chain too as this will help prevent forced entries and people pushing past someone who opens the front door unknowingly.
Don’t Leave Window Keys in the Lock
Whilst it can be much more convenient on a day-to-day basis to leave the window keys in the lock, you are putting yourself at greater risk of burglaries. Leave them in a place that you can remember instead, and always make sure you shut and lock windows when you are out of the house. Don’t help burglars get into your house; making things as difficult as possible for potential intruders is the best way to prevent your property falling foul to burglary and intrusion.
