As a reputable locksmith I am not in the business of scaremongering my customers, but what if I were to tell you that in 2021 there were more than 267,000 reported burglaries in the UK? Over 60% occurred while someone was still in the property! The individuals who commit these crimes are opportunists without a thought of the damage they inflict upon the properties or mentally upon the victims.
I would like to share some top tips on home security and please note this is intended to be helpful information only and not advice :
See who is on your property
Security cameras, especially doorbell cameras are becoming extremely popular, and rightly so. They are a great deterrent, allowing you or a loved one to view who is approaching your door. You can see who is there and even interact with them, for example asking what they want and to show identification without opening the door to them. They are easy to fit and provide that added level of security to your home.
Exterior lighting can be a huge deterrent when protecting your home. For anyone committing a crime, being seen is the last thing they want. Security lights can alert you and your neighbours that there is movement on the property and the police could be called.
Improve your exterior door security
Look at your exterior doors. Are the hinges in perfect condition? Rotten door frames and/or worn hinges can mean that a door can easily be kicked in or prised off its hinges. Always ensure that they are in good condition and have been fitted properly.
Installing a tamper proof letterbox is a great way to prevent slim hands from sliding through and turning a key which has been left in the lock.
Handles, locks and keys
Talking of keys left in the lock, if you have ever lost your keys did you change your locks even if you found them again? Like I said previously, thieves are opportunists and keys can be copied and returned to where they were found in no time. This gives only a small window of time to get those locks changed.
Double check your handles. If they are stiff or loose then there may be a problem emerging with the internal mechanics of the handle and lock. Catch a problem early enough and it could be an easy fix. However leaving for a longer time to fix and it could become costly. Nip it in the bud and save yourself time, money and stress.
The spare key under the doormat or flowerpot should be a thing of the past and is not security conscious at all. Even without a key, access can be gained easily by certain individuals so consider insurance approved locks which as a professional locksmith I can supply and fit.
Take a look at the example of a break in video in the Insurance Approved Locks section of my website and you will see what a difference they can make.
For anything security related, get in touch and we can talk through what you’re looking for over.
Pat