Home security is a top priority in a safety-conscious culture, and locksmiths play a crucial role in meeting this need. From installing and repairing locks to providing insightful advice on home security, these professionals contribute significantly to keeping your property safe.
Ensure Safety through Locked Entrances
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.
Stretch Your Awareness to Supervise 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.
Improved Visibility Intensifies Security
A well-organized property isn’t just visually pleasing; it also contributes to security. Landscaping around your home should address 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 hiding spots under windows. Motion-activated sensor lights provide a cost-effective and efficient deterrent for burglars.
Weigh the Merits of Investing in a Security Alarm System
Installing a reliable security alarm system is a valuable investment in home security. It’s advisable to consult with a professional locksmith for this purpose. They can guide you in choosing the right system and offer expert installation. Security alarms act as a deterrent to potential burglars and provide peace of mind, particularly when you’re away on holidays.
Abstain from Disclosing Your Plans on Social Media
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.
Refrain from Attracting Burglary
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.
Fashion 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.
Enumerate and Protect Your Belongings
Identify your belongings both in your residence and workplace. Take photographs of your valuables and maintain a record of important items, noting make, model, and serial numbers. Think about conducting a video tour of your home, documenting items in cupboards and other spaces. Make sure 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.
Safeguard Your Costly Possessions
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 Leverage 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.
Prioritizing home security is essential and should never be overlooked. Locksmiths, with their expertise in locks and security, play a vital role in keeping your property safe. By adhering to these home security tips and consulting with a professional locksmith, you can strengthen your home against potential threats, ensuring that your peace of mind is always protected. Keep in mind, your safety and security are invaluable and deserving of every effort and investment.