Locksmiths play a crucial role in ensuring the security of your home, especially in a culture that prioritizes safety. These unsung heroes of home security are responsible for tasks ranging from lock installation and repair to offering valuable advice on securing your home.
Lock Up and Stay Safe
Overlooking the simple yet crucial first rule of home security is common: always lock up. Utilizing deadlocks and window locks, operated with a key, not only increases the difficulty for intruders to enter your home but also hinders a quick exit, making it challenging for burglars to remove large items from your property. Avoid making it easy 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 Vigilance to Sheds, Garages, and Side Gates
Your sheds and garages may attract thieves, as they are less frequently used and may lack proper security measures. Avoid storing valuable items in your shed if possible. Always lock your garage door if it has a mechanical lock, or use a padlock from the inside if no mechanical lock is present. Adding an extra layer of security by disconnecting the power for the garage door, when unnecessary, is a wise precaution. Keep side gates locked at all times, not just when you’re away.
Visibility Enhances Security
A well-kept property isn’t just pleasing to the eye; it also boosts security. Landscaping around your home should prioritize both aesthetics and visibility. Trim trees and shrubs to maintain a clear view of your property. Remove bushes that might block doorways, access paths, or hide spots under windows. Motion-activated sensor lights are a cost-effective and efficient deterrent against burglars.
Invest in a Security Alarm System
Installing a dependable security alarm system is among the top investments for home security. It’s advisable to seek advice from a professional locksmith for this. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate system and offer expert installation. Security alarms not only discourage potential burglars but also offer peace of mind, particularly when you’re on vacation.
Keep Your Plans Off Social Media
Avoid publicizing your absence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Sharing details about your extended vacation or overseas trip may signal to potential thieves that your home is empty, making it susceptible to break-ins. Keep your travel plans confidential and share them only with trusted friends and family members.
Don’t Tempt Burglars
Ensure that 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, refrain from leaving the packaging where it can be easily seen. This principle also extends to items kept in your car, whether it’s parked at home or elsewhere.
Create the Illusion 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.
List and Protect Your Belongings
Ensure you recognize your possessions, both in your residence and workplace. Capture images of your valuables and maintain a record of crucial items, noting make, model, and serial numbers. Think about creating a video tour of your home, recording contents in cabinets and various areas. Make sure to securely store or back up your photos and videos in the cloud. Furthermore, obtaining insurance for your possessions offers added protection.
Safeguard Expensive Items
If you own valuable jewelry or other irreplaceable items, think about placing them in a secure safe. A skilled locksmith can suggest the appropriate safe for your requirements and guarantee its proper setup. Although some burglars might try to carry a safe away, ensuring correct installation is vital to preserve the security of its contents. Remember that the installation is as crucial as the safe itself. Be wary of subpar products available in certain hardware stores and retail outlets, offering little more than lockable boxes and lacking the security of a genuine safe.
Embrace the Power of Community
Numerous communities have active Neighborhood Watch groups. Comprising local residents, these groups keep an eye out for any suspicious activities and promptly report them to the police. Check if there’s a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood and consider asking your neighbors to watch over your property when you’re not around.
Prioritizing home security is essential and should never be neglected. Locksmiths, with their knowledge of locks and security, play a crucial role in safeguarding your property. By adhering to these home security recommendations and seeking advice from a skilled locksmith, you can strengthen your home against potential threats, guaranteeing that your peace of mind is always protected. Keep in mind, your safety and security are invaluable and deserving of every effort and investment.