With 8 bank holidays in England, Scotland and Wales each year, it is important to keep your house secure. Here’s what to do:
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1. Make sure you’ve got two locks
Explaining how a robber evaluates potential targets, robbers will scan a row of houses, and if they only have one lock on the front door, they know they can easily gain access.
If you’re looking for a strong lock, the Ultion Nuki Smart Lock came out on top of the GHI’s smart lock tests. It can be set to automatically lock at certain times of the day, and you can use your phone, a key fob, or a separate number pad to unlock it.
2. Use both locks at all times
You may have two locks, but if you’re not using them, you’re no safer than a house with just one. A burglar can easily tell if two locks are in use by applying pressure to the door with their foot.
3. Don’t display a ‘beware of the dog’ sticker
Many dog owners like to make their pet ownership clear by displaying a sticker on their windows. However, “As a burglar, you know you can get in easily if they have a cat or a dog.
Plus, an obvious display of having a pet, such as a cat, will only tell a savvy burglar that there is likely a cat flap at the back, making it easier to get in the house.”
4. Invest in curtains
It’s important to obscure the view into your house, whether it’s with curtains, blinds, or something else. If you can see into the living room, it gives away information about the people living there.
Especially during the festive season, when Christmas gifts may be on display, it’s important to make extra effort to protect your privacy.
Never advertise what you’ve got for Christmas. Putting empty boxes outside that show you got a 42′ plasma colour-screen TV is like an invitation to thieves.
5. Invest in window locks
We advise that if the house does not have window locks, then the security at the back might be even weaker. It is not a wise decision to advertise the house as one that has not taken enough safety precautions.
6. Get a cage for your letter box
Many people have the habit of leaving their keys near the entrance, ready to go, without thinking about the possibility of letterbox fishing.
This is a technique burglars use where they insert a pole through the letterbox to reach up and take the keys from either the lock of the house or the car.
If a handbag is placed near the entrance, it can be taken by the burglar in the same way.
Having a caged box placed inside the letterbox will prevent any intrusions of this kind.
7. Think about where you display things
If you, as is the case with many households, if your calendar is posted up in the kitchen facing a window, you may be putting yourself in danger.
A calendar could easily display the dates you’ll be away from home, allowing criminals to plan a future theft.
8. Keep brooms and mops out of sight
Once a burglar has gained entry at the back of the house, they will move to the front door and place a broom or similar item against it.
This allows them to hear anyone attempting to open the front door while they search the premises, which can take less than two minutes and gives them an advantage to escape.
To further protect themselves, burglars may also drop the catch on the front door, making it impossible to fit a key in the lock.
9. Take photos of every room in your house
In the event of a potential burglary, it is a wise idea to photograph each room in your house and take note of all important items.
This will be useful for the insurance company in the case of a robbery and may help the police in finding any stolen items. There is a clever second purpose to this.
During a robbery, the thief is likely to ‘turn the place upside down’. This is not simply because they want to take your possessions and flee.
You may not be able to tell what is missing as you are in shock, but rather, you know that something is gone. Having pictures of the rooms in their original state will also help you to figure out what has been taken.
10. Don’t rely on your dogs alone as guards
Dogs can easily be given food that can put them to sleep so they are no longer a deterrent for the thieves.
11. Beware of putting your house up for sale online
This is where burglars use the internet to find and check out potential target properties.
Estate agents provide a virtual tour of the property, allowing burglars to become familiar with the layout and plan their entry and escape routes. They can also Google the area to know where to flee to and get an idea of what the house is worth and what valuables the owners may have.
Unfortunately, when you’re selling a property, it’s hard to avoid posting photos online. None of us usually take enough security measures until we’re burgled or a relative is.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – take the initiative. Stand outside your property and think, ‘How would I get in?’. That’s a good place to start.
12. Consider a safe
For extra protection, consider installing a small, hidden safe in your home to store your valuables, such as jewellery, while you are away. Make sure to take photos of your valuables for insurance purposes and keep them with your other important documents.
However, don’t forget to enjoy yourself too! Chances are you have already taken all the necessary precautions, so sit back, relax and enjoy life.
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