How to Secure Your House and Improve Your Home Security

Securing your home should be a number one priority, but with so many other issues taking over our lives, such as energy, the cost of living and long working hours, it can be easy to neglect your home safety.

Burglary is a horrible crime leaving you feeling unsafe in your home. You not only risk losing valuables but also sentimental items that cannot be replaced.

You only need to glance at your local Facebook page to see how worried people are about crime rates. UK Crime Stats shows that there has been an average of 19,736 burglaries each month over the last six months.

Police commissioners across the country have warned that the cost of living crisis could increase crime rates as more people struggle.

Home security is all about making your home less attractive to intruders and keeping entry points secure.

In this guide, we will provide you with five simple steps you can take to improve your home security and keep your family and possessions safe.

1. Change Your Locks

Changing your locks is essential to remember when you move into a new home. You will have no idea who has a spare set of keys, so it is always recommended that you change your locks.

Not only will you have peace of mind, but you will also be confident that you will be covered by your home insurance should you be burgled. Insurance companies will not usually pay out if a key is used to gain entry rather than a forced break-in.

Remember to only give new spare keys to people you can 100% trust.

2. Check your Doors and Windows

Old doors and windows can pose a considerable security risk. Their poor condition can make it easy for burglars to gain entry, and your home may become more of a target.

Rotten wooden window frames make it easy for criminals to break in. If you can’t close your windows properly due to warping or expansion, it is an invitation for someone to target you.

Damaged hinges make it simpler for burglars to leverage doors open.

The good news is that new windows and doors come with innovative locking technology to deter burglars and keep unwelcome visitors out.

At Colne Valley Windows, high-security locking comes as standard on our windows, with optional shoot bolts also available. Our doors have Yale lockmaster multi-point locking systems which are police-approved.

3. Think About Access

Keeping the front of your house visible should deter burglars as they could easily be seen from the road or by neighbours.

You can improve visibility by installing motion-detecting lights that will be an obvious deterrent to potential thieves. Crimestoppers UK recommends keeping front hedges to a maximum height of one metre to remove any cover for burglars.

Meanwhile, back garden hedges should be at least 1.8 metres tall to prevent burglars from climbing into your garden. Making access difficult should reduce the likelihood that your house will be chosen.

4. Don’t Advertise When You are Not at Home

When burglars choose who to target, they will prefer an empty house. Keep your home looking lived-in by installing timers on your indoor lights. Smart plugs can help you set them when you are away.

Your home will be more at risk when no cars are parked outside. You can always ask a neighbour to park one of their cars on your drive when you are on holiday.

5. Install a Burglar alarm

Modern alarm systems can be connected to cameras, Ring doorbells or part of a more comprehensive security system that connects to a security centre.

Whatever you choose will be a visible deterrent and reduce the chance of your home being chosen.

If all else fails, you can always get a dog. A dog of any size can prevent a burglary as large dogs pose a physical threat while small dogs tend to make lots of noise!