Home Security Tips: Enhancing Your Safety at Home
Updated: December 2023
Securing your home is a priority in today’s world. With essential home security tips, we’ll show you how to protect your haven, giving you peace of mind in your safe sanctuary
1) The Current State of Home Security
In the modern era, the emphasis on home security has grown significantly, especially when considering the latest trends and statistics. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) reported a notable decrease in crime rates for the year ending March 2023, compared to the figures before the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. This decline is a positive indicator of the effectiveness of current crime prevention and law enforcement strategies. However, it doesn’t negate the continuous need for robust home security measures.
The landscape of crime has evolved, particularly influenced by the pandemic and subsequent changes in criminal tactics. This evolution includes a rise in digital threats, necessitating homeowners to be vigilant about both physical and online security.
Let’s look at 8 ways you can improve your home security.
1) Reviewing the Exterior of Your Home
- Inspect for Damages: Begin with thoroughly inspecting your home’s exterior. Check for any signs of structural damage and other damage, especially broken windows or doors, as these can be easy entry points for burglars. It’s important to repair any damage promptly to prevent unauthorized access.
- Security Assessment: Evaluate all potential entry points, not just the front door. This includes back doors, windows, garage doors, and even second-story entry points if they can be easily accessed. Consider how each could be made more secure. Are the locks sturdy and functional? Could a thief easily break a window to gain access?
- Window and Door Reinforcements: Since a significant number of burglaries occur without forced entry, it’s essential to reinforce these potential entry points. Installing deadbolts on doors can add an extra layer of security. For windows, consider using window locks or security films that make the glass harder to break.
- Visibility and Access: Ensure that your property’s layout doesn’t provide easy hiding spots for burglars. Trim back any overgrown bushes or trees that obscure windows or doors. Good visibility can be a deterrent to burglars who prefer to work unseen.
- Lighting: Adequate lighting is a key deterrent. Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home, particularly near entry points. Burglars are less likely to target a well-lit home.
2) Implementing a Security System/Alarm
- Essential for Enhanced Protection: Installing a security system is a crucial step in maximizing your home security. A comprehensive system not only acts as a deterrent but also provides real-time monitoring of your property.
- Choosing the Right System: Look for a security system that includes off-site monitoring. This feature ensures that any potential security breaches are immediately alerted to a monitoring center, which can then respond appropriately, whether that’s contacting you, sending a security patrol, or alerting law enforcement.
- Integration with Smart Technology: Consider systems that integrate with smart home technology. These systems can provide remote access through your smartphone, allowing you to monitor your home in real-time, receive alerts, and even control security features remotely.
- Regular Code Changes: To maintain the integrity of your security system, regularly change the security code. This practice helps to prevent unauthorized individuals who may have learned your code from gaining access. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your system’s security.
- Maintenance and Updates: Ensure your system is regularly maintained and updated. Like any technology, security systems need to be kept up-to-date to ensure they are functioning correctly and protecting your home effectively.
3) Ensure Windows and Doors are Secure
As stated earlier, in one-third of all burglaries, thieves manage to enter your home through an open window or door without forcing entry.
To secure your windows, make sure your locks are working and operable. Also, consider installing aftermarket window locks, which allow you to open the window a little while still keeping it secure.
For doors, be sure to replace any weak locks. Your door should be strong and have a solid core. You can add a latch onto them from the inside to make it that extra bit secure.
4) Add exterior lights
Thieves, in general, love the dark. It gives them the cover they need to do business without anyone noticing.
That is why, if you don’t have them already, you should buy and install outdoor lighting with infrared motion sensors and install one near each entry point. By doing this, if someone walks onto your porch or into your garden, it will light up, revealing them instantly.
Lights will also help to eliminate any potential hiding places. For example, if your shrubbery is too tall or high you may want to install a light around that area or get it cut to make the area more visible.
5) Displaying Security Company Signs and Stickers
- Psychological Deterrent: While it might seem like a small detail, displaying security company signs and stickers can be an effective psychological deterrent against potential burglars. The mere presence of these signs suggests a heightened level of security, which can make thieves think twice before targeting your home.
- Visible Placement: Place these signs and stickers in prominent locations where they are easily visible from the street and potential entry points. The goal is to ensure that anyone approaching your property is immediately aware of the security measures in place.
- Even Without a System: Interestingly, even if you do not have a full security system installed, the presence of these signs can still be effective. They create an illusion of a secure and monitored home, which can be enough to discourage some burglars.
- Regular Updates: If you have a security system, ensure that the signage reflects the current company and system you are using. Outdated signs might give the impression of neglected security, reducing their effectiveness.
- Complementary Measure: Remember, while signs and stickers can be a useful part of your overall home security strategy, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of protection. They work best when used in conjunction with other security measures like alarms, locks, and lighting.
6) Changing Locks After Moving In
- Essential Post-Move Action: One of the first steps you should take when moving into a new home is to change the locks. This action ensures that only you and those you trust can access your home.
- Potential Risks with Old Locks: Previous occupants, their friends, or maintenance people might have copies of the keys. Without changing the locks, you can’t be sure who else can access your house.
- Regular Updates for Enhanced Security: Even if you’ve lived in the same place for some time, it’s wise to change your locks periodically. This practice is not just about dealing with wear and tear; it’s a proactive measure to enhance your home security.
- Choosing the Right Locks: When changing locks, consider upgrading to high-security models, which offer better resistance to picking and breaking. Modern locks also have options for keyless entry or smart lock systems, providing additional security features.
- Professional Installation: Hiring a professional locksmith to change your locks can ensure that the job is done correctly and securely. They can also provide recommendations on the best types of locks for your specific needs and the layout of your home.
- Key Management: After changing the locks, manage your keys responsibly. Avoid hiding spare keys in obvious places outside your home, and only give copies to people who absolutely need them.
7) Concealing Your Valuables
- Targeting New Residents: Thieves often target new homeowners or tenants, as they know valuables might be more exposed during the moving process. It’s crucial, especially in the initial period after moving in, to keep your valuables out of sight.
- Ongoing Caution: Regardless of how long you’ve lived in your home, displaying valuable items openly can attract unwanted attention. Make it a habit to keep expensive electronics, jewelry, and other valuables away from windows and in less conspicuous areas.
- Invest in a Security Safe: For added protection, consider investing in a home security safe. This is particularly important for irreplaceable items or sensitive documents. Safes not only offer a physical barrier to theft but can also protect valuables from fire or water damage.
- Strategic Placement: If you’re using a safe, place it discreetly. Avoid obvious spots like the master bedroom, which is typically the first place a thief will look. An anchored safe in a hidden area provides additional security.
- Alternative Hiding Spots: In addition to or instead of a safe, you can get creative with hiding places for your valuables. Think of spots a burglar is unlikely to check, such as false containers that blend in with your pantry items or hollowed-out books on a shelf.
- Regular Review of Valuables: Periodically review what you consider valuable and assess if these items are stored securely. This practice ensures that new acquisitions are also adequately protected.
Related: What is contents insurance?
8) Remove the ‘Hidden’ House Key
Leaving spare house keys ‘under the carpet‘ or ‘next to the pot near the garage‘ is a big no. The problem is a burglar will know where to look and find your hiding places with ease.
Keep it simple – whoever needs a key to your house should have their own copy and are responsible for it. Alternatively, you can leave a copy with a trusted neighbour.
Maintaining your Home Security
- Regular Checks and Tests: Regularly test your security system to ensure all components are functioning correctly. This includes checking motion detectors, door and window sensors, cameras, and the alarm system. Most systems have a test mode for this purpose.
- Software Updates: For digital security systems, keep the software updated. Manufacturers often release updates that enhance security features and fix vulnerabilities. Set your system to update automatically or check for updates regularly.
- Battery Maintenance: Replace batteries in wireless security components as needed. It’s a good practice to check these batteries at least once a year, as weak batteries can lead to system failures.
- Clean and Inspect Cameras: If your system includes surveillance cameras, clean the lenses and check their positioning regularly to ensure they provide the best possible coverage and image quality.
- Professional Inspection: Consider having a professional security service inspect your system annually. They can identify issues you might miss and suggest improvements based on the latest security technology. A surveyor can also help point out weak spots in the home.
- Stay Informed About Advances: Security technology evolves rapidly. Stay informed about new features and products that could enhance your system’s effectiveness. This could include smarter motion sensors, high-definition cameras, or integration with home automation systems.
- Plan for Upgrades: Security systems can become outdated. Plan for periodic upgrades every few years to ensure your system uses current technology and meets your evolving security needs.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Securing your home is an ongoing process that requires awareness, vigilance, and a proactive approach. In a world where safety and privacy are paramount, the steps outlined in this guide serve as a comprehensive blueprint to bolster your home’s defenses. Here are the key takeaways:
- Regular Assessments: Consistently review and update your home security measures. This includes checking the exterior for vulnerabilities and ensuring all potential entry points are secured.
- Embrace Technology: Utilize advanced security systems and smart home technologies. They not only deter burglars but also offer real-time monitoring and control.
- Visibility and Lighting: Maintain clear visibility around your property and use adequate lighting, especially with motion sensors, to deter unwanted visitors.
- Signage as a Deterrent: Simple yet effective, security signs and stickers can psychologically dissuade potential burglars.
- Locks and Keys Management: Regularly change locks, especially after moving into a new home, and manage keys responsibly. Avoid predictable hiding spots for spare keys.
- Valuable Items: Keep valuables out of sight, invest in a secure safe, and consider creative hiding spots.
- System Maintenance: Regularly test and maintain your security system, including updating software and replacing batteries.
By implementing these measures, you can significantly enhance the security of your home, providing a safe and secure environment for you and your loved ones. Remember, home security is not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment to safeguarding your personal space.