With the darker months upon us and the evenings drawing in, it’s important to safeguard your property from potential security risks.
Fewer daylight hours means it’s easier for trespassers
to go un-noticed and break an entry.
Whether your property is currently vacant or
occupied – be it with tenants or yourself and your family – there are a few safety
measures you can implement to keep your property safe this winter…
1. Exterior security light
Adding an exterior security light to the front and back
of your property is a good way to deter unwanted guests before they can reach
the doors or windows. It also alerts you, or any dogs you might have, that
someone is there.
Additionally, having a gravel driveway can be a good
deterrent to burglars as the sound will alert homeowners.
2. Install CCTV
If possible, investing in a CCTV system is another way to scare off intruders. And if a break-in should occur, the footage will also help the police find them.
You can now also buy cameras that allow you to monitor
your home remotely via your smartphone or tablet which is great if you’re away
from the property.
3. Install a burglar alarm
A burglar alarm is a great investment. Not only do they
keep your home safe, but if an entry is broken and the alarm is triggered, it
usually causes the burglars to run off without having a chance to take your
belongings.
They also attract the attention of your neighbours who might see someone you don’, and installing one could also reduce your home insurance premiums.
4. Give the impression you’re at home
Most burglaries happen when the occupants are either not
at the property or fast asleep.
Another way to put burglars off is by making them think
someone’s home and awake at all times.
You could leave the radio or television on along with a
downstairs light; however, this is not very energy efficient and can be costly
over-time.
Alternatively, use an energy-efficient plug-in security
timer as these switch a light on and off in a random pattern to give the
impression that someone is home.
An obvious tip but one that’s commonly overlooked…
5. Make sure your home is secure
If your front door is weak or the lock is loose, this
makes it extremely easy for intruders to gain access.
Additionally, if you leave your windows open this is also an invitation to criminals. Make sure your access points to the property are strong and secure.
And lastly…
6. Hide all valuables
Make sure valuable possessions are out of sight and
ensure you have the right level of cover in the event of a break-in.
This is particularly important with the festive season
around the corner as households tend to have more expensive items in the home
than normal.
The same goes for your vehicle keys, never leave them near the front door as it’s common for thieves to retrieve them through the letterbox.
