Living in a city is very convenient – with access to public transport, more job opportunities, plenty of amenities on your doorstep and lots of things going on are some of the reasons why city life is appealing. However, with a larger population also comes the higher crime rate, and burglary is something that everyone who lives in the city should think about to help keep themselves and their home safe…
Make sure that Doors and Windows are Secure
Most burglars will get into your home by getting through the doors or the windows, so make sure that both doors and windows are secure. Ensure that all of the locks are in good working order and don’t forget to keep them locked when you are out of the house, even if you are only out for a small amount of time.
Get CCTV
One of the best ways to keep an eye on your property is to get a professional like this CCTV Swindon based company //apmfireandsecurity.com/cctv-installation/cctv-installation-swindon/ to install cameras around the premises. They will know the correct places to put them in, and you can have them linked to your phone so that you can watch even if you are not in.
Don’t Advertise to Burglars
Simple things, like making sure that valuables are hidden from view and not leaving any clues, like the packaging of expensive items in view helps to reduce the risk of someone trying to get in and look for expensive items and valuables.
Use Lighting
Security lighting that is motion activated is a simple way to put off intruders, it should be placed around entrances as well as in any areas that are not well lit.
Simple ways to deter burglars at home
Many of the most effective security measures are simple. Keep shrubs around windows and doors low, as tall, thick planting gives an intruder somewhere to hide. Motion-activated outdoor lights expose dark spots around the property, and updated locks on doors and windows make forced entry harder.
Look at every way in. Security bars on vulnerable windows help prevent forced entry, and homes with lots of windows benefit from solid window locks throughout. Garage doors are often a weak point, especially where the garage connects to the house, so make sure they are as secure as your front door.
Beyond that, there is a wide range of devices to choose from, including alarms, extra locks and surveillance cameras. A combination suited to your home and its surroundings will give you the most protection.
Doors, windows, cameras and lighting
Start with the doors. Check that frames are sturdy and hinges are strong, and if you have just moved in, change the locks so nobody who lived there before still has a key.
Doors and windows are the most common ways for burglars to get in, so windows deserve attention too. Fit window locks, and consider security film to reinforce the glass. Glass break sensors add another layer, and window bars are an option for anyone wanting to be extra cautious.
CCTV cameras let you keep an eye on the inside and outside of your home, depending on where they are placed, which brings real peace of mind. Burglars also dislike being seen, so good outdoor lighting makes a house far less inviting. Lights around the front and back entrances and along paths help cameras capture a clear picture and make it safer to come home after dark.
Everyday habits that put burglars off
Being burgled is upsetting, and the sense that your private space has been invaded can linger long after any items are replaced. Thieves are most likely to strike when you are away, asleep or distracted, when a door or window has been left open, and just after Christmas, when homes are full of new gifts.
Lock doors even when you are at home, since opportunists will take valuables while you are in the garden or another room. Close low-level windows at night, even in summer, keep side gates locked, and store ladders out of sight. Break down boxes from expensive purchases before putting them out for recycling, and keep valuables, especially car keys, out of view.
Never hide a spare key under the doormat or a plant pot, as these are the first places thieves look. Leave a light or radio on when you go out. If you think a key has been taken, change the locks. Alarms, CCTV and security lighting add a further deterrent.