In a culture that places a premium on safety and security, locksmiths become indispensable in securing your home. These often-overlooked professionals contribute significantly by handling tasks like lock installation, repair, and offering crucial advice on home security.
Ensure Security by Locking Up
Always remember the basic and often underestimated first rule of home security: lock up. Deadlocks and window locks, requiring a key, not only increase the difficulty for intruders to enter your home but also impede a swift exit, making it challenging for burglars to remove large items from your property. Avoid making it convenient for criminals; refrain from keeping a spare house key under the front doormat, above the door, in the mailbox, under a fake stone, or in the nearby garden bed.
Extend Your Focus to Encompass Sheds, Garages, and Side Gates
Sheds and garages are often targets for thieves, as they are used less and may not be adequately secured. It’s recommended to avoid storing valuable items in your shed if you can. Always lock your garage door with a mechanical lock, or use a padlock from the inside if there’s no mechanical lock. Adding an extra layer of security by disconnecting the power for the garage door, when not needed, is a prudent step. Keep side gates locked at all times, not only when you’re away.
Better Visibility Heightens Security
A well-maintained property isn’t just about visual appeal; it also increases security. Landscaping around your home should consider both aesthetics and visibility. Trim trees and shrubs to ensure a clear view of your property. Remove bushes that might obstruct doorways, access paths, or hiding spots under windows. Motion-activated sensor lights offer a cost-effective and efficient deterrent for burglars.
Investigate Investing in a Security Alarm System
One of the best choices for enhancing home security is investing in a reliable security alarm system. Seeking guidance from a professional locksmith is recommended. They can help you choose the right system and ensure expert installation. Security alarms act as a deterrent to potential burglars and provide peace of mind, particularly during holiday periods.
Steer Clear of Broadcasting Your Plans on Social Networks
It’s important not to publicize your absence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Broadcasting details about your extended vacation or overseas trip can signal to potential thieves that your home is vacant, making it a prime target. Keep your travel plans confidential and share them only with trusted friends and family members.
Prevent Attracting Burglars
Ensure valuable items are not easily visible from your windows. If you’ve recently made substantial purchases, like a large-screen television or a home theater system, avoid leaving the packaging where it can be easily seen. This guideline also pertains to items stored in your car, whether it’s parked at home or away.
Construct the Pretense of Occupancy
An unattended letterbox filled with mail, catalogues, and junk mail is a clear indicator that a house is vacant. Whether it’s an empty property or a family on vacation, it can attract the attention of burglars. Ask a family member or neighbor to pick up your mail during your absence. Also, make sure the bins are out for rubbish collection and then put away. Consider tactics such as turning on lights, occasional garden watering, or lawn mowing (if applicable) to give the impression that the home is occupied. If you receive newspaper or food box deliveries, remember to temporarily suspend these services.
Inventory and Protect Your Belongings
Ensure you identify your belongings, both in your home and workplace. Photograph your valuables and maintain a register of important items, specifying make, model, and serial numbers. Consider creating a video tour of your house, documenting items in cupboards and various spaces. Ensure that your photos and videos are securely stored or backed up in the cloud. Furthermore, having insurance for your belongings provides an additional layer of protection.
Preserve Precious Assets
For those in possession of expensive jewelry or other irreplaceable items, think about storing them in a secure safe. Consult with a professional locksmith to identify the suitable safe for your needs and ensure its proper installation. While some burglars might attempt to carry away a safe, its correct installation is essential to preserve the security of its contents. Keep in mind that the installation is as important as the safe itself. Be cautious when dealing with inferior products available in specific hardware stores and retail outlets, as they may only provide lockable boxes without the security of a genuine safe.
Embrace the Force of Community
Numerous neighborhoods have active Neighborhood Watch groups. Comprising local residents, these groups are vigilant for suspicious activities and promptly report them to the police. Check if there’s a Neighborhood Watch in your area and consider enlisting your neighbors to keep an eye on your property while you’re away.
Never underestimate the importance of home security. Locksmiths, experts in locks and security, play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety of your property. By implementing these home security strategies and seeking guidance from a professional locksmith, you can enhance the protection of your home against potential threats, ensuring that your peace of mind remains intact. Remember, your safety and security warrant every effort and investment.