Did you know that home invaders will steal £181 million from Londoners in a single year? Over 192,000 burglaries take place in the entire UK annually, another report says. That’s why it is extremely important for you to keep your home safe at all times. Especially when you are not home. Lucky for you, expert locksmiths who have gone through a UK accredited locksmith course have some super-secret tips to share with you. These tips have helped countless Britons ward off would-be burglars from their homes. Now, they are sharing these tips with you. So, these 5 simple ways will take your home security to new heights:
1. Change Your Weak Door Locks
Basic lock types, such as Yale rim or Euro cylinder ones, are very popular. Burglars can pick them up easily or snap them to gain access to your private domicile. That’s why you must give them a much-needed upgrade and install high-security locks. Pick-resistant, drill-resistant locks are very important. High-quality deadbolts will provide amazing resistance against the common methods used by housebreakers. Some strong lock types that you should have a bash with include:
- Chubb 5 Lever Mortice Deadlock
- Yale Superior Euro Cylinder Lock
- ERA Multipoint Locking System
- Union ASSA Abloy Mortice Lock
- Dorma Kaba Electronic Lock
2. Reinforce Your Doors & Windows
You’ll probably have a laugh when we tell you that most Brits leave their front doors unlocked when going outside and the majority NEVER lock their windows. What a load of codswallop, you’re probably wondering. Well, it’s true! So, why don’t you start locking your doors/windows from now? Also, reinforce these entryways by:
- Doors: Installing a solid core or metal exterior
- Windows: Installing locks and adding window sensors
Ask any locksmith in Doncaster for example, and they will recommend using strike plates and longer screws in door frames to make doors harder to kick in. Keep in mind that most burglars will simply walk in your front door when trying to break into your home so don’t let that happen!
3. Don’t Forget Garage and Back Doors
Yes, another thing is that many burglars use the back door to gain access to your homely space. Now, imagine burglars to be old-fashioned vampires who can only come into your space if you let them in; forgetting to reinforce to back doors is like saying “Welcome” to any Tom, Dick, and Harry prowling around. That’s why you should use a smart opener to secure your back door and garage door. Add deadbolts or side bolts for extra security.
4. Install Security Cameras and Lighting
Statistics say that 1 in 100 homes in the UK face burglaries. As for Leeds – one of the unsafest cities in the UK – 1 in 63 homes there experience break-ins. But you can stay safe from burglary instances by installing cameras and motion-activated lighting. Placing cameras around common entryways and installing lights in dimly lit areas will do very help you as well. Keep in mind that burglars don’t want to be seen; they prefer moving around like phantoms. The threat of being detected is enough to ward off most criminals.
5. Use a High-Grade Security System
Lastly, locksmiths suggest installing a professional security system. It’ll constantly monitor your home to make sure it’s safe (and immune to the most tried-and-tested breaking-in methods used by pilferers). With a professionally monitored system, you can rest assured knowing that help is 24/7 available immediately in case of a break-in. Many systems come with features like motion detection, sirens, integration with smart home devices, and more.
Final Thoughts
Making your house 100% immune to burglary is not possible. But you sure can make it harder for burglars to enter your abode. The Metropolitan Police Service has also shared some insights into a burglar’s mind that will benefit you. It says that you shouldn’t leave packages outside your front door because housebreakers take it as a sign that you’re stashing valuables at home. You should also keep in mind that burglars prefer staying in the shadows, not seen or heard; that’s why they wait to pounce when your dwelling isn’t occupied or when there’s a door/window open. Sheds and garages are their favourite crime spots. Prowlers also normally enter via front doors and like to revisit the homes they’ve previously cleaned out. That’s why if your place was robbed recently or if you think your home is a target, then get in touch with a local locksmith right away. They will replace your outmoded door locks with high-security, anti-burglar ones, making your dwelling resistant to the most common forms of burglary. Cheers!
