New Year, New Levels of Home Security

The Crime Prevention website recently posted an article offering advice on home security, which Saint Locks would also like to promote for our customers. After all, your home should be your sanctuary and keeping it as secure as possible is very important.

 

British Insurance Approved Locks

Having quality locks fitted on all of your entrance doors to the property is always a good idea. It may well be essential in order to comply with the specifications set by your home insurance company. You should always check your insurance renewal each year to ensure that you are meeting the standards set down by your chosen firm. If the locks to your home do not meet the required type, then you could find that your insurance is invalid should you become the unfortunate victim of a burglary.

Burglar Alarms

If you have a burglar alarm system in place, keep it fully functioning at all times. If you don’t have the budget for an expensive system then a dummy burglar alarm can be purchased quite cheaply and you can attach it to the front of your home in full view of passersby. This can be a stopgap while you choose the best alarm system for your house.

Home Safes

For high value items and/or precious documents etc, it is well worth considering buying a safe. Consider carefully where you are going to install the safe. It needs to be out of the way of prying eyes. It is possible to bolt safes to the floor or a wall for added security. You can purchase fire and/or water proof safes for even more peace of mind.

Outside Lighting

Fact: thieves prefer dark home entrances in preference to a well lit porch. If you have exterior lighting already, then ensure you regularly maintain it by keeping the lights clean and changing the bulb when they blow. If you don’t already have lighting fitted then consider purchasing an outside light to position by each exterior door. Not only is it a deterrent to would-be burglars, it makes it much easier to find your keys and get into your home on a dark night.

Secure Outbuildings

If you own a garden shed, separate garage etc. then make sure that the door to the construction is locked sufficiently. A strong padlock and chain is necessary, at least to prevent easy access to the space. Again, always check your home insurance documents to ensure that you are protecting any outside spaces to their desired level.

High Security uPVC Cylinder Locks

If you have a uPVC exterior door then it is well worth investing in a high security, anti bump, anti snap cylinder lock. This will help to prevent any unwanted visitors to gain access to your property by locking the door as securely as possible. NEVER leave your keys in the lock, even if you have locked the door. It is an advertisement to a potential burglar to smash the window and grab the keys!

Consider some landscaping

This may sound a little drastic but with a few additions to your garden you can really add to the overall security of your home. For example, by planting a few prickly bushes by your front windows/ street frontage you could well deter a would be thief from trying their luck. If suitable, a gravel drive way is another good idea. It is noisy for anyone to walk up and at the same time alerts you to someone arriving at your door.

Get a Dog

Or at least appear to own a dog that is! Having a large dog bowl filled with water by your front door can be very off putting to a potential burglar!

Should you require any further advise regarding your home security then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Saint Locks and we will be happy to help.

Shrewsbury: 01743 770047
Telford: 01952 570037
Market Drayton: 01630 440014
Oswestry: 01691 810014
Mobile: 07545327772
Free phone: 08009078254

 

With thanks to Carlos Luz for the use of the Padlock photo under the Creative Commons licence – Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)